Leading new homes provider Bromford is reinforcing its commitment to employee mental health by highlighting expanding its network of trained mental health first aiders.

With 64 colleagues now embedding wellbeing into their everyday working life, the housing association is continuing to build its workplace culture centred around open dialogue, flexibility and support.

Among those leading the charge for Bromford, which has multiple Shared Ownership developments across Oxfordshire, is Tuesday Wilmott, Inclusion and Engagement Lead and Mental Health First Aider, who plays an essential role in driving the business' holistic approach to employee wellbeing.

Tuesday, who has a background in health and social care, said: “Wellbeing has been important to me from day one. Not just how people feel, but what they're experiencing and how they're supported physically, emotionally, mentally and socially.

“At Bromford we want colleagues to know that mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health, and in many ways our Mental Health First Aiders mirror that immediate attention that physical ill health requires.

“We are there to help recognise signs that somebody may be experiencing poor mental health and encourage them to get professional support if needed.

While not qualified medical professionals, Bromford's growing roster of Mental Health First Aiders are extensively trained by Mental Health First Aid England to recognise early signs of issues, provide initial support and signpost colleagues to further help through the appropriate channels and resources.

Their skills are refreshed through training courses and the group has quarterly catch-ups to speak about their experiences and new techniques.

Tuesday added: “For many, it may not be just as easy as talking to their GP, close friends or family, and broaching that conversation can be a daunting thought. Given the amount of time we spend at work, sometimes it can feel like a more relaxed and informal environment where such conversations can happen naturally.

“The aim is to be the trusted point of contact, and we're here to make time for people, help them understand that through us, they can be guided to the right level of support – whether they're going through a crisis or simply need somebody to talk to.”

Bromford's number of Mental Health First Aiders has grown over the last 12 months, with the positive impact on the team being felt.

Tuesday added: “A colleague struggling with a mental health diagnosis spoke to their line manager who is a Mental Health First Aider. After an open, honest conversation, they were able to put a support plan in place. The colleague reported that simply knowing that somebody cared was really appreciated and truly made a difference to their how they felt.

“I would love to see a world where fewer Mental Health First Aiders are needed because support is so embedded in everybody's consciousness. For now though, it would be great if every organisation could do their best to commit as much as they can.

“If anybody is considering taking up a Mental Health First Aider role, I would absolutely recommend it. The skills you learn and the value you feel will stay with you.”

For more information on Bromford and Shared Ownership homes and developments, please visit  www.bromfordhomes.co.uk, or contact the sales team on sales@bromford.co.uk.

*T&Cs apply.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Bromford is a housing association based in South West and Central England. As part of one of the largest housing associations in the country, Bromford Flagship, they provide both open-market properties and affordable homes for people who are unable to access market housing. With over 80,000 homes across East, Central and South West England, Bromford Flagship is committed to delivering 2,000 new homes each year for the next 30 years.

For further information or for PR enquiries about Bromford Shared Ownership, please contact Ethan Henson on 0116 502 4047 or ethanh@unsworthsugden.co.uk / Hannah Elwell on 0116 247 1777 or hannah@unsworthsugden.co.uk

For all other Bromford enquiries, please contact comms@bromford.co.uk.