PSR has been around for over 220 years – and we are an eighth-generation family business. Our strong family values have been at our core since day one and we maintain that ethos today. We support each other just like a family would – and fully embrace our role in helping to boost the wellbeing of our employees.

We have long understood that mental and physical health support is important in promoting employee wellbeing. All PSR employees are automatically enrolled onto a health cash plan after three months of service, which offers cash benefits and payments for healthcare treatments. They are also entitled to join a subsidised private health scheme with Bupa. In addition to this, employees and their families have access to a confidential online health and wellbeing service.

Recognising there is a growing mental health crisis in the UK, PSR wanted to improve what was on offer for employees and continue to build a positive and supportive culture. We decided to invest in training a team of Mental Health First Aiders to boost mental health and wellbeing support in the workplace. We identified eight people from across the business to train as Mental Health First Aiders, and these individuals completed the face-to-face two-day training programme onsite in April.

Our Mental Health First Aiders provide first points of contact across the PSR business for employees experiencing a mental health issue or some distress. They have been trained to handle an initial conversation and to support individuals in accessing appropriate support in a crisis. They are also trained to spot signs of mental ill health and have a good understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing.

PSR Director Joanne Parkinson, one of newly qualified Mental Health First Aiders said,

The training was helpful and informative, and PSR now has a team of Mental Health First Aiders covering all areas of the business. These people are in a much better position to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues in the workplace. They also know how best to signpost people to the right support.

We know that a person’s working life and environment can have a big impact on their mental health and wellbeing, and equally, their mental health can also impact their attendance and performance at work. The team now feels better able to support this.