Notcutts invests in Mental Health First Aid training
-
Amy Fuller, Restaurant Manager; Ali Davis, colleague; and Stuart Blight, General Manager at Notcutts
-
Sarah Dempsey, HR Director at Notcutts
On World Mental Health Day (10 October 2024), Notcutts is celebrating its commitment to wellbeing after 25 colleagues have successfully qualified as Mental Health First Aiders this year.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally-recognised qualification, on a par with physical First Aid training, and typically involves two days’ intense study to equip colleagues with the skills to recognise mental health symptoms, provide initial support, and signpost individuals to appropriate professional help.
The 25 colleagues across Notcutts’ 19 garden centres nationwide have completed the MHFA training as part of Notcutts’ commitment to workplace wellbeing and to ensure all colleagues feel supported in their roles.
Sarah Dempsey, HR Director at Notcutts, emphasised the significance of the MHFA initiative. Sarah said: "Supporting our colleagues is of great importance to us at Notcutts. We recognise that mental health is as important as physical health, and we all experience times in our lives when we need some extra support.
“By training our colleagues as Mental Health First Aiders, we are taking active steps to create an environment where mental health is openly discussed, and the stigma surrounding it is broken down."
Notcutts colleagues who completed the training expressed their commitment to the role of Mental Health First Aider and the positive impact on their approach to supporting one another.
Ali Davis from Notcutts Staines Garden Centre spoke about completing the MHFA training: "The MHFA training has increased my awareness of the subject and how I can help. It’s good to know that I can now better support my colleagues. I’m looking forward to continuing this important work and helping to make Notcutts a great place to work and visit."
Sarah Dempsey continues: “As Notcutts continues to thrive and build on its 127-year history, it remains dedicated to creating a workplace where every colleague feels supported. The introduction of Mental Health First Aiders across all our garden centres is just one of the many ways we are investing in the wellbeing of our team.”
For more information visit www.notcutts.co.uk.