In this mental health awareness training case study we outline the brief received from AEB (International) Limited and provide both details and results of the training course delivered by In Equilibrium. Our aim is to demonstrate the importance of mental health awareness training for all staff as part of an organisation's overall mental health strategy.
The Customer
AEB (International) Limited are a leading provider of global trade and supply chain management solutions with over 20 years standing in their fast-moving field. They offer innovative solutions and IT support, helping customers merge global trade and logistics within a single solution. They aim to provide a respectful environment for their staff worldwide, with trust, authenticity, openness and purpose amongst their core values. A climate neutral company, they have strong sustainability and social responsibility beliefs and continually look to make a difference by introducing new initiatives and becoming sustainability multipliers.
The Goal
During the autumn of 2022, the Head of HR at the UK office of AEB contacted us as they were looking to offer a mental health awareness session for their UK team of 28 employees.
The Brief
Having established AEB’s overall aim, a virtual meeting was arranged between the trainer and Head of HR to discuss the exact course content in more detail. It was agreed that a slightly larger than our usual recommended group size of 12 could be accommodated. This was considered more beneficial on a participation level than three smaller groups of 8 or 9, as well as obviously being more cost effective for the customer.
Our customer’s aim was to create awareness of mental health and reinforce the message that poor mental health and mental illness are genuine.
Other key aims for the customer were:
- the understanding that self-care is important and is not a selfish activity
- you need to look after yourself to support others
- to help their staff recognise the signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health
- to be able to provide hope for recovery
As ever, when dealing with sensitive topics, creating a safe space during the training was a must. Some group work was included to encourage interaction and dialogue for all.
The Training
The course agreed was a condensed 3-hour version of our Mental Health Awareness training for Employees. Training would be delivered face-to-face at the company’s UK headquarters in Warwick at the start of March this year. Two morning sessions were arranged rather than two half day courses within one day to give employees as much date flexibility to attend as possible.
The following topics were covered:
- Understanding what Mental Health is
- The Mental Health Continuum model
- Stigma and its impact on mental health
- Stress and its impact on mental health
- The Stress Bucket tool
- Recognising signs of poor mental health
- Understanding some common mental health conditions
- Supporting colleagues through conversation around mental health
- The importance of self-care
Content was delivered by Powerpoint presentation, facilitated group discussions, group activities and thought-provoking short videos.
Groups found the discussions and activities to be the most powerful aspects of the training, giving them the confidence and opportunity to start talking about their own experience of mental health and any issues. A key aim and benefit of this training is to normalise this kind of conversation which will enhance the already open and supportive culture at AEB.
The Results
Mental Health Training Case Study Conclusion
AEB have a mission to offer their employees an open and respectful environment, believing great results are achieved for individuals, customers and the company itself when work is fun. However, they are also realistic and accept that life isn’t linear. The mental health awareness training sessions have provided their staff with valuable understanding, ideas and resources to look after their own, and be aware of their colleagues’ mental health.
To show their commitment to mental health in the workplace, the awareness training is complemented with the internal support of a qualified Mental Health First Aider and an EAP. All staff are made aware of how to access both with confidentiality.
Of the training, Nina Rolleston, Head of HR said,
“All round it was a great experience working with Equilibrium and I feel the delegates have benefitted from this initial session and will put into practice what they have learned.
The training was also very organised, lots of communication prior to the sessions, materials sent early and on the day of the training the trainer was early and had everything ready.
The trainer had a really good style that built rapport and made people feel at ease. She was able to bring her own experience to the training in a subtle way, which enabled the delegates to feel comfortable sharing their own experiences.”
We are grateful to AEB (International) Limited for their permissions and assistance in the production of this case study.
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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
"The quality of the training has been fantastic and our employees are really engaging with the trainer and getting something out of it. Also In Equilibrium makes the whole process very easy to arrange."
"We wanted to provide a course that taught useful and practical coping strategies that our members could put into place straight away. In Equilibrium’s experience showed us that they could provide this, and they tailored the course perfectly."
"In-Equilibrium recently presented Mental Health Awareness to Managers in all of our area offices. The training was really well received and all of the trainers were praised for their in-depth knowledge and understanding."
"The training was very well received by staff who now all intend to implement the session’s practical tips and techniques into their existing roles. A large proportion of the staff rated the facilitator and their delivery as excellent and their only recommendation was for a further and longer session!"
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