Supporting colleagues to have a good day

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health. 

At Carnival UK we’re focused on good mental health year-round, with our Mental Health First Aiders and Champions supporting colleagues to have a good day at CUK. Mental Health First Aiders and Champions are all colleagues who’ve volunteered their time to take on the role of listening and signposting people to support when they need it. Find out more here.

Throughout the week we’re profiling some of our amazing volunteers. Today, meet Alison Ault, Mental Health First Aider.

Why did you want to become a Mental Health First Aider?

Having supported colleagues, friends and family who have had or who are experiencing poor mental health, I realise just how important good mental health is. The Mental Health First Aider training was the perfect opportunity to ensure that people in every area of my life now have access to trained support whenever they need it.

Why do you feel it’s important for people to look after their own wellbeing and mental health?

It’s vital to have a good understanding of how to maintain your own wellbeing and mental health in order to be able to cope with the multitude of challenges that life brings to us each day.

How do you look after your own wellbeing and mental health to make sure you have a good day at CUK?

I ensure I plan my days carefully and take regular breaks. Lunchtime is a great opportunity to take a walk or get out into the garden to recharge fully for the afternoon ahead.

How does your role as a Mental Health First Aider support and empower colleagues to have a good day at CUK?

I am proud to be able to say I am trained to support the ‘CUK family’ and so being able to support anyone, at any moment, for whatever reason, could make all the difference between them having a good day or a bad day.

How can we help each other to have a good day at CUK?

• Checking in with colleagues regularly to make sure they are well and offer support as required.
• Offering support to anyone who we may notice may be not ‘their usual self’ – that could be having a chat with them or pointing them to the CUK Mental Health First Aiders hub.  
• Having realistic expectations of what can be achieved in an hour/day/week so as not to put undue stress on any colleagues.

Any top tips for good mental health?

Daily long walks or simply regular time out in the fresh air is absolutely the best medicine!

If you’d like Alison’s support with your mental health, contact her at alison.ault@carnivalukgroup.com

Interested in being a Mental Health First Aider? 

A Mental Health First Aider is someone who’s completed an accredited MHFA England course and is equipped with skills to lead mental health colleague conversations, alongside raising awareness, reducing stigma and discrimination, and engaging our people in positive mental wellbeing so we can all have a good day at Carnival UK. 

We also have Mental Heath Champions who have completed a Carnival UK Mental Health Awareness course and are equally committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma and discrimination, and engaging our people in positive mental wellbeing. They’re also able to help colleagues by connecting them to additional mental health support.

If you’re interested in supporting colleagues, email OHS@carnivalukgroup.com to find out more.