Representatives from a selection of Hampshire businesses gathered for a Solent Mind breakfast event recently, to discuss the pressing issue of mental health in the workplace.

The event, held at Blake Morgan LLP in Southampton, was led by the mental health charity’s Workplace Wellbeing Training Team, and provided a vital platform for employers to share insights, challenges, and solutions for supporting the wellbeing of their staff.

Mandy Wiltshire, Solent Mind Workplace Wellbeing Training Team Manager, introduced the session and highlighted the growing importance of prioritising mental health in professional settings. “With one in four people experiencing a mental health issue each year, creating a supportive workplace is essential.

“I was keen on arranging today’s session to give local employers the opportunity to get together to talk about mental health. By making the time to discuss the key issues that might be affecting the wellbeing of our staff, we can look at what we can put in place to support this.”

Attendees were treated to coffee and pastries as they participated in a series of activities and roundtable discussions. Chris West, from Solent Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Training team, also shared the ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ wheel, and spoke about how feeling connected, keeping active, giving something back, taking notice, and learning something new, all contribute to our mental health.

Solent Mind supporters, Blake Morgan LLP, provided the venue for the breakfast event, and two of the law firm’s Mental Health First Aiders, Jo Burnham, Head of HR, and Sheldon Panaino, Trainee Solicitor, attended the session. Jo said: “It has been great to have the chance to discuss areas of concern and steps we can take to improve wellbeing in the workplace with other organisations today.

“It’s so important to take time to reflect and be able to learn from each other. A huge thank you to Mandy and the team for organising, and I look forward to attending more of these in the future.”

Mike Clark, Sales Manager at Communications and IT Solutions company, Silver Lining Convergence Ltd, was also there on the day. He said: “I see first hand how the pressures of our work and home life can take a toll, especially in a field where it's common for men to shy away from discussing mental health.

“By working together and sharing our ideas, we can work towards breaking that stigma around mental health, and create environments where employees feel valued and supported. I’m glad I came along today.”

In addition to networking and sharing best practices, attendees were introduced to Solent Mind’s range of workplace wellbeing training packages. Supporting companies across the region to implement wellbeing approaches, the charity is helping to improve employees’ understanding of mental health and give them practical techniques to help themselves and others. All training proceeds go right back into Solent Mind’s services and supporting mental health in the region.

If you are interested in finding out more about Solent Mind’s workplace wellbeing training courses, please visit: Workplace Wellbeing Training | Trusted mental health training at work