Male staff from across The Calico Group have been encouraged to open up about their mental health, following an awareness session organised as part of the organisation’s Wellbeing Mental Health Programme.
Held at the Life Church, Burnley, the session was delivered by State of Mind Sport, a charity with vast experience of delivering information about men’s mental health.
Through their work, State of Mind Sport have made a real difference to the thinking of many people who have attended their presentations.
The session for The Calico Group employees was hosted by former Rugby League player Jimmy Gittins and referee Ian Smith, who discussed their mental health journeys, and shared some important advice to help staff support themselves and their loved ones if they are struggling.
The presentation was organised to help break the stigma around mental health in men, and to encourage staff to open up and access support if they ever need help.
According to the Office for National Statistics, suicide is the most common cause of death for men aged 20-49 in England and Wales, and 75% of all suicides recorded in the UK in 2017 were male.
Anthony Duerden, Chief Executive of The Calico Group, said:
“At The Calico Group, we encourage openness regarding mental health issues, and we feel this is especially important amongst our male colleagues, as they may typically be less likely to open up if they need support.
“The session from State of Mind Sport was fantastic, and the feedback from staff was really positive. Jimmy’s and Ian’s experiences seemed to really resonate with the audience – you could hear a pin drop in the room.”
The Calico Group is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of staff across all of its companies, and delivers a range of wellbeing opportunities to help improve employees’ physical and mental welfare, including an Employee Assistance Programme, holistic therapies, and a range of physical activities.
For more information about The Calico Group, visit calico.org.uk