Swindon-based specialist charity for mental health care at work, Richmond Fellowship WorkLife, is celebrating the success of it’s recent ‘Managing Workplace Stress’ training event for line managers.
More than 50 representatives of employers took part in the workshop, which took place at the Menzies Swindon Hotel on June 21 and was designed to support line managers in facing situations in the workplace that involve stress and mental health. It was organised by the Swindon Mindful Employer Network.
Richmond Fellowship Work Life expert trainers Adrian Embling and Lisa Monis were delighted with the interest displayed by Swindon businesses. “What is really encouraging was not just the numbers who came along – but the different sectors and sizes of the employers which were represented,” said Adrian.
"I believe Swindon companies do appreciate the importance of dealing with mental health issues among their staff in a professional and sympathetic manner. We reiterated the need for good communication and management skills when supporting colleagues with stress back into the workplace.”
David Latham, project leader of the Swindon Mindful Employer Network at Richmond Fellowship, said: “Adrian and Lisa’s experience in helping employees suffering from stress back into their workplaces gives them an added gravitas when providing training to Swindon employers. They are dealing with hundreds of such cases per year and the experience is invaluable. This is very good news that they are sharing this knowledge with local employers.”
Menzies Swindon Hotel general manager Hiren Varvadekar said: “The training event opened my eyes to the whole area of supporting staff going through a difficult period of stress or mental health issues. Some knowledge of this increasingly important area is vital to businesses which need to attract and hold on to experienced hard working people during difficult economic conditions. We look forward to working with the Swindon Mindful Employer Network and Richmond Fellowship Work Life again in the near future.”
The event was free to local employers. BBC Wiltshire’s Mark Jones made a 
guest appearance at the end of the event.
More information about RF Work Life on 01793 433571 or worklife@richmondfellowship.org.uk
