Free mental health resources guide for businesses

The good news is that there are a range of free workplace mental health resources that can support businesses in this aim, some of which are listed below:

HSE working minds interactive tool

To help employers mitigate stress and promote mental well-being, the HSE has introduced an interactive tool that embodies the principles of its Working Minds campaign. This campaign emphasises risk assessment through five key steps: reaching out, recognising, responding, reflecting, and making it routine. 

The newly developed online learning program consists of six concise modules, providing a step-by-step guide accompanied by valuable tools and practical resources. 

Find out more here: https://workingminds.focusgames.com/ 

Additionally, HSE offers Talking Toolkits tailored to specific industry sectors, such as construction, which can help structure conversations with workers to help prevent stress at work.

Find out more about the HSE toolkits here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/talking-toolkit.htm 

CIPD mental health guide for managers

This guide developed by Chartered Institute of Personal Development offers managers valuable information, practical guidance, and conversation checklists to enhance their ability to support support those experiencing stress and mental health issues. 

The guide addresses all aspects of employment, from recruitment, managing mental health at work, to supporting return to work after a period of absence. It is designed to help managers facilitate conversations and put in place support so employees can stay well and in work. The guide also sets out practical steps that employers can take to create a mentally healthy workplace. 

Find out more here: www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/guides/mental-health-support-guide/

Workplace guides from mind

The mental health charity Mind offers a range of free resources to help managers support staff’s mental wellbeing. These include: 

• Managers’ guide to mental health 
• Thriving at work standards 
• Intro to mentally healthy workplaces 
• Taking stock of mental health in your workplace 
• Supporting staff with mental health problem 
• Tackling the causes of mental health problems 

 Find out more here: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-your-staff/useful-resources/ 

The lighthouse club

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families, offering a range of free pro-active resources to support the industry including a 24/7 helpline, text support services, self-support app and local support groups.  

In 2024 the Lighthouse Charity is also travelling to construction sites around the country to meet the boots on the ground to get them talking and offer wellbeing support via their #MakeitVisible campaign.  

Find out more here: www.lighthouseclub.org/ 

Veriforce CHAS is committed to promoting good mental health as an integral aspect of everyday business operations and plans to launch a dedicated mental health certification later in 2024. This initiative aims to set benchmarks for how businesses and their supply chains address mental health, fostering a healthier and more supportive work environment. You can learn more here.