EDF Energy Being Mind-Full Campaign

Member Article

Customer care centre has employee’s health in mind

A Sunderland customer services centre is supporting an international health campaign with a three day event for employees as part of its own Better Health Programme.

Workers at EDF Energy, based at Doxford International Business Park, Sunderland, were offered access to specialist health education, information and advice by external organisations and charities at the Being Mind-Full event, in advance of World Mental Health Awareness Day this week (8-10 October).

The EDF Energy Better Health Programme supports and encourages employees to maintain or improve both their physical and mental health and wellbeing through specialist support, advice and activities.

Margaret Wenham, Communications Advisor at EDF Energy, who organised the week’s events, said, “As someone who has had mental health issues in the past, this particular cause is something I am incredibly passionate about. Mental health is not spoken about enough however it is currently the biggest cause of work related absence.

“We wanted to break down the barriers by offering support and advice to those with mental health problems, those who are supporting someone with mental health issues or those who simply want to know more about it. It has been incredibly successful so far and we have been given great feedback from all at EDF Energy.”

EDF Energy enlisted charities and organisations such as Sunderland Mind, Sunderland Carers, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Veterans at Ease along with Steve Lynn from CycleTrex and nutritionist Caroline Innes to discuss advice, information and support for those coping with mental health, signposting people to the support for debt and money concerns, and what impact diet and exercise can have on physical and mental wellbeing.

James Hunter from Relaxanation was also on hand to provide 10 minute Shiatsu massages. The Mercure Newcastle George Washington Golf Resort and Spa also donated a spa break for two people as a prize at the

Dorothy Gardiner, Project Manager at Sunderland Mind, a local mental health charity, said, “We were delighted to be invited back to EDF Energy and especially for their Being Mind-Full event supporting Mental Health Awareness Day. This is a great opportunity for organisations like ourselves to engage with large companies who are taking a positive step in promoting both mental wellbeing and physical health for their employees.

“By teaming up with EDF Energy we were able to provide information to many people by promoting our services and supporting them with their mental health issues.

“Mental illnesses are some of the least understood conditions in society and because of this many people face prejudice and discrimination in their everyday life. Having a mental illness is difficult, not only for the person concerned but also for their families, friends and carers. We continue to tackle stigma and discrimination by educating, raising awareness and the need to understand mental illness.”

The mental health week activities were undertaken as part of EDF Energy’s broader health improvement programme for all staff and its participation in the NHS Better Health Award scheme.

For more information on mental health please visit www.sunderlandmind.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by EDF Energy .

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