During 2025 Harwood Park will be updating the existing cremation chambers for new FT III chambers. These have an integrated control system constantly making infinite adjustments and control measures to reduce the gas consumption and electrical power usage.
The self-diagnostic integrated software combined with FT’s Online customer support answers our needs. The intuitive control and HMI (Human Machine Interface) system offers us a bespoke reporting package which can be securely linked to FT’s central administration facility.
The technical engineering of the FT III cremators offers us a wide variety of options to our specific needs and building requirements.
On the 26th November, FT’s design team were on site finalising the design layout to meet our specific needs and the requirements of our building.
Staff Updates
The FT III offers a product that can be adapted for future changes in environmental standards.
Austin’s Natural Burial Park
In November, Nick and Sam proudly installed the beautiful new Natural Burial Park sign at Harwood Park. Crafted from stunning oak wood, this elegant sign warmly welcomes visitors at the entrance to Harwood Park Crematorium.
Message from Claire…
As we approach the end of the year and look forward to the festive season, it is a great time to reflect on 2024.
We have welcomed several new people to our team and have focussed on building relationships between our staff. These have included working sessions to cover new and updated business legislation and practises plus social events including our summer barbeque event and our quarterly staff breakfasts.
There has been much investment into the growth and development of the whole business. At Harwood Park, the launch of the Austin’s Natural Burial Park and the construction of new facilities and accommodation for our Groundsmen.
The New Year will also bring the replacement of our cremators to provide updated and environmental equipment and processes.
Great progress has been made on the new Austin’s Head Office in Stevenage High Street. Although much of this is taking place behind closed door and is invisible, we are on track to relocate from our existing locations in Letchmore Road and the High Street next summer.
We have continued our work within the community sponsoring various local groups and participating in charity events. This week a number of Christmas trees were delivered to care homes throughout the area.
This is the sixth edition of ‘The Bearer’ which was developed and is produced by our Funeral Administration Manager, Amanda McArthur. I am sure you agree that it is a wonderful medium through which to share our news!
I extend my very best wishes for an enjoyable Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Austin’s Little Green Book
We’re thrilled to share that our ‘Little Green Book’ is now available as an audio experience, narrated by Dame Joanna Lumley! You can also explore the digital version on our website at this address: www.austins.co.uk/ making-arrangements/austins-littlegreen-book or pick up a printed copy at any of our branch offices, or at your local Registrar’s office in Hertfordshire.
Fire Walk for East & North Herts Hospitals Charity
A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored Claire, Amanda, Chelsea, and Vee as they braved the coals at Lister Hospital’s Fire Walk on Friday, 1st November! The Austin’s team raised an impressive £540, adding to the night’s incredible total of over £16,300 for the East & North Hertfordshire Hospital’s Charity. These donations will make a real difference, supporting vital services like the stroke team, cancer centre, maternity unit, renal units, and the Butterfly service. Thanks for helping us bring the heat for a great cause!
Funeral Manager Online Payments
We are one step closer to giving our families the option to make online payments for their funeral arrangements. Kevin Kelly is finalising testing. Once this has been done, we will run the new payment system in parallel with our current payment system, to ensure a smooth transition. So watch this space!
Charity Of The Year – Feed Up Warm Up
This November, Austin’s donated a food haul and a 16 pop-up tents to the wonderful charity Feed Up Warm Up, helping make a difference to those in need in our community. Feed Up Warm Up offers essential support to vulnerable individuals and families, and we’re thrilled to be part of their efforts.
With the holidays around the corner, Feed Up Warm Up is running a special Christmas Chocolate Appeal. They’re
collecting chocolate donations, such as festive selection boxes and seasonal treats, to bring some extra cheer to those they help. If you’d like to join in, chocolate donations can be dropped off at the North Stand of Stevenage Football Ground every Monday from 5-7 pm.
Defibrillator at Harwood Park
Harwood Park has placed an external defibrillator on the North eastern corner of the waiting room, so that it is clearly visible from the carpark. This will be accessible whenever the grounds are open, and it is registered on The Circuit – the national defibrillator network.
Groundsmen’s Building
‘Early April on a chilly Monday morning at Harwood Park and the diggers rolled in to start construction of our new grounds building and facilities. Demolition of our old shelter and the moving of the containers was done within a couple of days, and the real work could commence.
Once the footings went down and the concrete floor, you could really get a sense of scale, and my excitement levels were building. After this, the steel frame was erected in just a couple of days, basically a massive Meccano set! Now we could see its shape and size we were getting really excited. I was warned at this point to stay patient as the builders explained this was the bit that takes all the time!
Internal walls, flooring, wiring, security the list goes on and on. I felt like a kid at Christmas who could see all his presents neatly wrapped and placed under the tree, however it was October and I wouldn’t be able to touch them for weeks!
Our patience paid off and eventually we were able to move in on the 1st of October.
There’s lots of people I want to thank for the support and funding of this new facility, David Hall and Claire Austin to name a couple. But also a big thanks to Poplars Construction who were faultless throughout the build.’
Kevin Miller
Head of Grounds
Harwood Park Crematorium
Harwood Park Church View Coffee Group
In October, Nicola Martin Davis introduced a regular bereavement coffee group at Harwood Park Coffee Lounge, open to up to four participants. The coffee lounge overlooks the beautiful grounds at Harwood Park. If you know anyone who might find comfort in joining, please encourage them to contact Nicola directly.
Donation to Hertfordshire Breast Cancer Unit
In November, Harwood Park Crematorium donated £11,600 to the Hertfordshire Breast Unit charity. The donation, raised through Harwood Park’s metal recycling program, will support the purchase of a new ultrasound machine. Vicki Adkins, MBE, founder and Chair of the charity, expressed gratitude for the contribution. Pictured are Vicki alongside David Hall and Gary Ford of Harwood Park.
Stevenage Community Trust Dinner Annual Fundraiser
Austin’s was thrilled to be a proud sponsor of the Stevenage Community Trust’s 2024 Annual Dinner & Dance Fundraiser. Held on October 4th at the charming Priory Barn in Little Wymondley, the evening brought together local businesses, friends, and supporters of the Trust for a memorable night, which included a superb impromptu Elvis performance by one of the guests. Together, we helped raise an incredible £26,000 to support community groups and individuals in Stevenage and nearby villages. Since 1990, the Trust has distributed over £2 million in grants, making a remarkable impact on our community.
For information on how to apply for a grant, please visit https://www. stevenagecommunitytrust.org/grants
74a Update
Significant progress has been made at 74a High Street, with building works to the arrangement rooms and chapels of rest on the ground floor, well underway. Additional internal walls have been erected, creating a more defined and functional layout that supports practical workflows as well as client needs. The service chapel is evolving beautifully, with further developments enhancing its capacity to offer a serene and reflective atmosphere for services. Careful attention is being given to the selection of colour schemes, with a focus on neutral, calming tones that evoke warmth and dignity, perfectly complementing the overall vision for the space.
Staff Training
September 2024 : Changes to the Death Certification Process
Austin’s and Harwood Park staff attended a training event at Harwood Park Crematorium in September to prepare them for the changes to the death certification process which came into effect on 9th September. A huge thank you to David Hall for delivering this and providing all staff with useful information and reference packs to take away. We’re pleased to report that we’ve experienced no issues since the changeover.
New Vehicles Joining the Fleet
We are delighted to share that we have added two brand-new private ambulances and a stunning new hearse to our fleet, bringing our total to four hearses. To ensure these vehicles remain in pristine condition for the families we serve, our new hearse is receiving a premium Paint Protection Film and ceramic coating from LAS Installations. These enhancements will keep our vehicles looking immaculate for years to come.
Our new hearse also features a beautiful glass roof, allowing natural light to cascade through, creating a warm and serene atmosphere. This thoughtful detail reflects our commitment to providing dignified and exceptional service during life’s most important moments.
TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER
Lolo Café Bistro Arrival: 7.30am – 8.00am For Food, Fun, and Games
Celebrating the Funeral Officiants: Charlotte Roscow
At the heart of a funeral service, stands the Funeral Officiant who guides the families through the process of honouring a loved one’s life. With empathy and eloquence, Funeral Officiants commemorate the individuality of the deceased, offering comfort and support to their loved ones.
Charlotte Roscow has a long established relationship with Austin’s and here she tells us a little about herself and what this vocation means to her:
Tell us a little bit about your background and what inspires you to do the work you do.
Every day reminds me what a privilege it is to be a funeral celebrant. To be trusted to lead families through the grieving, and healing, process when someone much-loved has died is a huge responsibility. I decided to become a celebrant after having worked in the Registration Service, which often meant conducting wedding ceremonies, and meeting recently bereaved family members who had come to register a death. At that point in someone’s grieving process it’s all very fresh, and they’re having to make arrangements that perhaps they’ve never had to make before. They haven’t yet thought about the funeral at all, but those decisions are looming. So many families are torn between a church service, or something without any religion at all. But often those grieving would share with me that they didn’t want something totally without prayers, or perhaps their loved one had spiritual beliefs that didn’t quite fit into one religion. It was when I attended a celebrant-led ceremony that I realised that this is probably the kind of service most people would like; something that brings together their personal
spirituality, elements of religious tradition, and music that meant something to them, going beyond a traditional funeral that you might have in a church. Of course, some people prefer to have a completely secular service - and I like to offer that too; it’s vital to put together exactly what each individual family wants.
Talk to us about the service you offer the bereaved.
important, so that I write a ceremony completely unique to the person who has died. Over the following few days, I go back-and-forth with several family members, not just to make sure that it’s all accurate, but to ensure we are going to remember them in the way that they would have wanted.
When I started as an independent celebrant, I was very aware that I was stepping into a role previously and solely occupied by the clergy. Ministers are usually university educated and have a wide knowledge of both religious texts and English literature as a whole. They are knowledgeable in classical and church music and these days, contemporary popular music and artists. Therefore, I was very aware that these were big shoes to fill and to work alongside. Interestingly, my family has a long history of having been members of the Clergy, with my three times Great Uncle even being appointed as Chaplain to Queen Victoria! So yes, I knew that to be taken seriously, I would need to step up to the plate and provide the same high standards and knowledge when assisting families.
Before studying to be a lawyer, and later working as a registrar, I was an actor. And I’ve met some celebrants of their achievements. I try to write down almost anything that a family tells me, even if it doesn’t seem as
In your opinion, how has the profession changed over the years.
Talking to a bereaved family, whether you are a funeral arranger or a celebrant, is a skill that most people don’t possess, and I’m very selective about which Funeral Directors I work with for that exact reason. Just as many families have realised that they would like a celebrant-led funeral, lots of people have considered making celebrancy their ‘calling in life’. In many ways this is beneficial for families because there are more funerals being conducted more appropriately to the way we live, and the way we think about religion or spirituality. But it meant that in the years immediately after the pandemic
there were some people, with little experience and the minimum of expertise, offering celebrant services as a retirement ‘hobby’ or hoping it may provide a good income. Slowly but surely many of those have now left the profession again, which isn’t totally a surprise. This is a job that requires very high levels of empathy, specific public speaking skills, and long working hours set aside for quiet reflection when writing the ceremony itself. A good celebrant, vicar, or faith leader makes taking a funeral service look easy but, as many have found out, it isn’t.
How do you personally cope with the regular exposure to grief and loss.
A celebrant’s role, similar to a funeral arranger, is to be a source of comfort and stability during the process. This requires presenting a carefully calibrated emotional response; of course you are sad, and you must show that, but you also have to be the warm, reassuring, presence that bereaved families need from you. Occasionally that’s very difficult, especially if you are conducting a funeral for a child.
It’s the messages that I receive from families after a funeral that remind me why this job is so important. Funerals are such an integral part of the grieving process, and I see the healing it provides families, and that makes it very rewarding.
As a celebrant who also performs naming ceremonies and weddings, many of the families that I have written a funeral service with, go on to trust me with these other life events. Often the excitement of a new baby in a family, or two people coming together to share the rest of their lives together, can happen in the years that follow a parent or grandparents’ passing. So many people have told me that they were comforted that I could take that ceremony for them, after having conducted the funeral for someone who couldn’t be there, and that is particularly fulfilling.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Fuller
Inquiry: Phase 2 Interim Report - Update
Since the very first days of Austins Independent Family Funeral Directors, we have always maintained the care of the deceased to the highest standard, ensuring that our facilities are fully compliant with the codes of practice, our staff offer honest, transparent information regarding not only the care of deceased, but all aspects of the funeral. All staff are trained and have a current DBS certificate. On October the 15th the Government published the phase 2 Interim Report of the David Fuller Case. This was chaired by Sir Jonathan Michael, and the report has set out 5 Clear Recommendations below . All of which we agree with and will fully support.
Recommendation 1
The UK government should establish an independent statutory regulatory regime for funeral directors in England as a matter of urgency in order to safeguard the security and dignity of the deceased. This regime should include a licensing scheme, mandatory standards against which funeral directors should be inspected regularly, and enforcement powers. The Inquiry would expect to be informed by the government what this statutory regulatory regime will be before publication of the Inquiry’s Final Report. 32 Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by the David Fuller case
Recommendation 2
These regulations and standards should be considered within the overall care and journey of the deceased rather than applying in isolation to funeral directors. This will
be explored further and commented on by the Inquiry in the Final Report of Phase 2.
Recommendation 3
The standards should include details of mandatory information to be given to customers by funeral directors to provide transparency about the care of the deceased, including information on measures to protect their security and dignity, and what should be expected of funeral directors’ services.
Recommendation 4
Direct cremation businesses should also be considered in this context, and mandatory standards to protect the security and dignity of the deceased should be applied to these businesses and to any emerging new models of delivery of care for the deceased.
Recommendation 5
While the introduction of a proportionate statutory regulation and inspection regime may require significant adjustment by funeral director organisations, it is the view of the Inquiry that the benefit to customers and the need for public confidence outweigh the difficulties that may be experienced by some businesses.
Claire’s Comments :
Austin’s welcomes this enquiry, and we look forward to receiving the Final Report. We continue to observe and adhere to all the recommendations raised to date. These ensure that our profession provides a safe, secure and trustworthy environment for the deceased and reassurance to bereaved families.
Consultation on Law Reforms Relating To Burial and Cremation
The Law Commission of England and Wales is an independent body established by statute to make recommendations to government to reform the law.
At present they are reviewing the law relating to burial and cremation and are keen to receive responses from as many stakeholders as possible. That includes those who operate burial grounds or crematoria, those who use them, funeral directors, and those with an interest in what happens to our bodies after we die.
The full Consultation Paper is available here: www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/ burial-and-cremation. The deadline
for responses is 9 January 2025. This Consultation Paper is part of an overall project called Burial, Cremation and New Funerary Methods. That project exists because stakeholders told The Law Commission, in response to an open public consultation as part of their 13th Programme of Law Reform in 2017, that the law which governs how we deal with the bodies of dead people is out of date and not fit for purpose.
Because the issues involved are so broad, The Law Commission has split the project into three parts. As well as this one, on Burial and Cremation, there are two others:
1. New Funerary Methods, which will identify an appropriate regulatory framework for new methods such as alkaline hydrolysis and human
STAFF UPDATES
Visit to Knebworth Christmas Fair
The Austin’s and Harwood Park teams didn’t let a little weather dampen their festive spirits on Saturday, 23rd November, as they made their annual trip to the Knebworth Christmas Fair!
This year’s fair was brimming with fantastic stalls, offering everything from artisanal spirits to indulgent festive treats and unique gift ideas. Needless to say, the team fully embraced the holiday cheer with some serious retail therapy! After a busy (and blustery) morning of exploring and shopping, they warmed up with a well-deserved and delicious lunch at The Lytton Arms – the perfect way to round off a festive day out.
Who says workmates can’t sleigh the holiday season together?
composting, which are in use in other jurisdictions. This part is currently in process; and
2. Rights and Obligations Relating to Funerals, Funerary Methods, and Remains, which will look at whether decisions you make about your body after death should be binding, and how disputes over funerary methods and remains should be resolved. This part will begin at the end of 2025.
As this first part on Burial and Cremation Law is under review, we at Austin’s and Harwood Park have been attending the consultation meetings. Hopefully, the final recommendations will reflect the expertise of those who work in the burial and cremation sector, and the real-life experiences of those who use the sector for the funerals of their friends and relatives.
Stuart’s Photos
Here’s a small selection of Stuart’s latest photos for you to enjoy depicting the change in seasons
MEET THE TEAM Accounts
Isabella Senior Accounts Assistant
Izzy has worked for Austin’s since July 2019 and is based at our Head Office on Letchmore Road, and processes supplier invoices.
Nicola Accounts Administrator
Nicola has worked for Austins since October 2023 and is based at our Head Office in Stevenage and is part of the accounts team for Austin’s and Harwood Park.
TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER
Lolo Café Bistro Arrival: 7.30am – 8.00am For Food, Fun, and Games
Welcome to the Team: Simon & Lucy!
We’re thrilled to introduce Simon and Lucy, who joined Austin’s as Funeral Operatives at the end of September. Here’s a little about them and their experience with us so far:
Simon
Simon, who lives with his family in Hertfordshire, brings a wealth of experience to Austin’s, having worked as a funeral conductor for 21 years at another funeral directors. Since joining, Simon has found the transition to Austin’s seamless, with his colleagues across the business being incredibly professional, supportive, and welcoming. He’s particularly impressed by the team spirit and has settled in well. Simon has shared that he’d love the opportunity to conduct funerals again in the future, and we’re excited to see him thrive in his role!
Lucy
Lucy, also Hertfordshire-based, started her career in the funeral industry in April before joining Austin’s. She has enjoyed her time here immensely, particularly driving the limousines and hearses and supporting the care team in the mortuary. Lucy’s unique background as a zookeeper has given her a strong foundation in care, and she’s eager to take on more work in the mortuary in the future. Her enthusiasm and dedication are already making a difference.
We’re delighted to have Simon and Lucy as part of the Austin’s family and look forward to seeing them grow and excel in their roles. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome.
Staff Breakfast
The Austin’s and Harwood Park crew gathered bright and early on October 16th for another fantastic breakfast at the fabulous Lolo’s on Stevenage High Street! Claire and Peter made the morning even better by giving the team an exciting sneak peek at the latest progress at 74a High Street. A great start to the day with good food and even better company!
Volunteering Opportunities
All staff are invited to take part in our new volunteering scheme, with 8 paid hours each year to support a registered charity or community cause of your choice. This is a wonderful chance to make a real difference while staying on your regular pay!
SBJFC Scores Big!
Austin’s Crew at Stevenage Football Game
Simon, Alan, Kyle, Lucy and Lee M brought the excitement to Stevenage Football Club in October, cheering them on with our season tickets! Big thanks to Lee M for snapping the action-packed moments!
We’re thrilled to share the exciting news about the Stevenage Borough Juniors FC United Under 15’s football team, proudly sponsored by Austin’s. With an impressive start to the season, these talented young players have achieved a fantastic record, winning ten games and drawing two.
We are proud to support these rising starts as they kick their way through the season. Keep up the amazing work, team!
We’ve got a fantastic line up of local charities you can support, including:
• Stevenage Community Trust
• Feed Up Warm Up
• Grief Garden Path Bereavement Café
• East and North Herts Hospital’s Charity
• Butterfly Volunteers
If there’s a charity or community organisation you’re passionate about
that’s not on our list, just let Amanda Mac know, and we’ll work on adding it. Let’s come together to give back to our community with full support from the company!
Also, Kerry is looking for eager volunteers to help with the Scouting cause! If you’re interested in giving young people a skill for life, drop her an email at Kerry.hall@ stevenagescouting.org.uk.
TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER
Lolo Café Bistro Arrival: 7.30am – 8.00am For Food, Fun, and Games
Photo Competition
And the Winner is ….. Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Jo at Harwood Park) Huge thanks for all the submissions for this edition of The Bearer
Staff Breakfast at Lolo’s
This Christmas, we’re excited to continue our tradition of celebrating with a staff breakfast at Lolo’s! Staff are invited to arrive for breakfast which will be served from 7:30 am to 8:00 am, offering the perfect start to a festive morning.
The fun doesn’t stop there—get ready for some holiday cheer with Christmas Bingo and a Guess the Baby competition, complete with prizes for the lucky winners. We look forward to seeing you there!
Secret Santa
Those staff taking part in this year’s Secret Santa should drop their gifts to Head Office by Monday 9th December. We’ll hand them out at the staff breakfast on Tuesday 10th December.
Amanda M
Jo
Lee M
Reece
Gary
CELEBRATIONS
Birthday Wishes to:
DECEMBER
Congratulations Claire! Huge congratulations to Claire who recently took home the Female Business Leader of the Year Award at the 2024 National Business Women’s Awards! An incredible achievement. Way to go, Claire!
Congratulations Chelsea! We are pleased to announce that Chelsea will be taking up her new role as Mortuary Assistant in the New Year. She will be taking up the post once we have successfully recruited and trained the replacement for her current position.
Congratulations Scott
Big cheers to Scott Edis, our Assistant Crematorium Technician at Harwood Park, who just aced his driving test on the first try! Not many can claim that… but Scott sure can!
Kyle
Danny Kelly
Jackie Arlen Caroline
Jo Gary
Claire
Simon
Amanda Julie
Sam
CELEBRATIONS
Work Anniversaries
Alan
10 years on December 8th
Jane 3 years on January 4th
New Starters
Richard
5 years on January 13th
Gary 8 years on February 27th
Lee
3 years on January 31st
We welcomed 2 new starters, Lucy Frusher and Simon Drane who joined the Austin’ family on 30th September. Check out our getting to know you article in this edition of The Bearer.
Simon
Lucy
Jo Sam Malcolm
Happy Retirement
Jackie
In February next year, we will bid a heartfelt farewell to the wonderful Jackie Brown, our cherished Funeral Arranger at the Hitchin Branch. Jackie, you will be deeply missed—not only by all of us at Austin’s but also by the Hitchin community you have served with such dedication and compassion. Thank you for all you’ve given; you’ve touched countless lives, and your impact will be lasting.
This winter themed word wheel is made from the letters in the word CHRISTMAS. Try and make as many words of any length as you can from these letters. You can only use each letter once, and each word must include the letter C
WORD SEARCH
BREAK TIME
Crackers
Festive
Merry
Mistletoe
Reindeer
Santa Snowman
Tinsel
WELL BEING AT WORK Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Supporting Colleagues in the Workplace
As the days shorten and sunlight diminishes, many individuals may experience the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, primarily occurring during the winter months. Here’s an overview of SAD, its symptoms, causes, and how you can support colleagues who may be struggling with this condition.
Symptoms of SAD
SAD shares many symptoms with other types of depression, but its occurrence is linked to seasonal changes, particularly during Autumn and Winter. The NHS state common symptoms include:
• Persistent low mood
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Increased sleep and difficulty waking up
• Cravings for carbohydrates and weight gain
• Reduced interest in activities once enjoyed
• Irritability and social withdrawal
• Feelings of worthlessness or despair
Causes of SAD
The exact cause of SAD isn’t fully understood, but reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days of winter plays a key role. Sunlight is vital for regulating the body’s internal clock, serotonin production (which affects
mood), and melatonin levels (which control sleep). Lower levels of sunlight can disrupt these systems, leading to the symptoms of SAD. Some individuals may also have a genetic predisposition to this condition
Self-Care and Treatment
Several approaches can help manage the symptoms of SAD:
Maximising sunlight exposure: Make the most of natural light by spending time outdoors during daylight hours or working near windows.
Light therapy: Using a special light box that mimics sunlight for about 30 minutes each morning has proven helpful for many people with SAD . Additionally, make the work and home environment as light and airy as possible.
Regular exercise: Engaging in physical activity, especially outdoors, can improve mood and reduce stress
Diet and nutrition: Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and limiting carbohydrate-heavy foods, can help manage weight and mood
Talking therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating SAD by helping
WELLBEING CHAMPIONS
individuals alter negative thinking patterns
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed in more severe cases
Supporting Colleagues with SAD
Supporting colleagues with this condition in the workplace can significantly improve their wellbeing. It is essential to create an open environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment. Enabling rest breaks that can be taken in natural light can help colleagues manage their symptoms. Encouraging social interaction and team activities can reduce isolation, a common issue for those affected by SAD. Additionally, please remember that all staff have access to the Employee Assistance Programme where professionals can offer support and advice to anyone with this condition.
By fostering awareness and offering compassionate support, we can create a proactive environment that helps colleagues manage the challenges of SAD and improve their overall well-being
Sources: NHS, NHS England, Mind, CW Partnership Trust, Keeping Well. A qualified Mental Health Responder, Amanda can support you with any mental health questions.
With experience and an interest in mental Health and wellbeing, Danny can offer practical support.
As HR Rep, Maggie is here for anyone wanting to talk about their mental wellbeing.
