What is a mindful employer

Mindful Employer

I’ve not been here for that long but before I started was having my own quite severe issues with my mental health, bluebird has been amazing and so understanding with me and all my problems Just don’t change ! I feel you are all doing an amazing job as it is ! I feel my anxiety and mental health is at a better manageable position now- Care Assistant

The managers have proved that support is readily available and that information shared is confidential I don’t believe I have a condition but I think everyone feels a little low every now and then and lockdown has been hard on everyone but especially keyworkers. I think it’s nice to check up on people occasionally. Receiving something as simple as a postcard in the post saying that you’re doing great goes a long way to make people feel good. Every one is very easy and welcoming to talk too - Care assistant

As a Mindful Employer we aim to:

  • Show a positive and enabling attitude to employees and job applicants with mental health issues. This will include positive statements in local recruitment literature.

  • Ensure that all staff involved in recruitment and selection are briefed on mental health issues and The Equality Act 2010 and given appropriate interview skills.

  • Make it clear in any recruitment or occupational health check that people who have experienced mental health issues will not be discriminated against and that disclosure of a mental health problem will enable both employee and employer to assess and provide the right level of support or adjustment.

  • Not make assumptions that a person with a mental health issue will be more vulnerable to workplace stress or take more time off than any other employee or job applicant.

  • Provide non-judgemental and proactive support to individual staff who experience mental health issues.

  • Ensure all line managers have information and training about managing mental health in the workplace.

 

What have we done so far to support this charter commitment?

  • We worked in partnership with the mental health charity MIND to provide a range of bespoke training to our staff:

  • Creation of a Mental Health first aiders across both Bluebird Care offices. They have undergone specific training designed to teach them how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis

  • Mental Health in the workplace training for our Care Managers and Supervisors, providing them with practical advice and guidance on how to develop wellness plans for all employees

  • Delivered Resilience training sessions for all staff – a number of these sessions have already been delivered by a MIND trainer designed to provide employees with practical strategies, diagnostics, tactics and tools to bolster their mental, emotional and physical resilience

  • Access to the Bluebird Staff healthcare scheme, provided by WPA which includes access to confidential 24/7 counselling over the phone on personal issues and where clinically appropriate onward referral to face to face counselling services.

  • Launched an online benefits portal for our staff accessible via Internet browser or mobile App so they can easily access benefits and information to help their mental health and wellbeing.

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