PHS staff given mental health awareness training

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Staff at Caerphilly-based PHS Group have been taking part in mental health awareness training sessions.

One hundred employees at PHS, which is based on Western Industrial Estate, have been receiving training from St John Ambulance staff as part of their Live Virtual Mental Health Awareness courses.

The staff were taught by qualified mental health first aid trainers using video conferencing app Zoom.

Topics covered included mental health triggers, the signs and symptoms of poor mental health, as well as advice on how to deal with mental health issues.

The sessions have coincided with Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place last week.

Mike Winstone, of PHS, said: “This is one of a number of initiatives we’re taking to support the mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues. The last year has been a challenging one for many reasons, but any of us can experience mental ill health at any time, pandemic or not.

“We want our managers to be in the best possible position to support our colleagues and believe our partnership with St John Ambulance Cymru will help us to do that even more effectively.”

Philip Kinsella, Operations Manager at St John Ambulance Cymru, said: “With more people now having the confidence to come forward to their employer and discuss their mental health, we believe it’s important organisations are fully equipped to support them.

“We’re delighted to be working with PHS Group, helping them empower their employees with the tools they need to further their commitment to mental health in the workplace.”

So far this year, more than 1,500 people across Wales have taken part in mental health awareness courses run by St John Ambulance.

Last June, seven PHS employees ran 110 miles each to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.