inform
SOUTH WEST BUSINESS NEWS Be open about mental health
The managing director of a Bristol-based facilities management firm has called for increased openness about mental health in the workplace and a broader interpretation of the meaning of corporate social responsibility. Brady George is 31 years old and
the managing director of Almeda Facilities, a company committed to corporate social responsibility and employee wellbeing. But in an increasingly tough economic climate, Brady is concerned that some companies are overlooking their responsibility to their employees, not realising how much this can impact their business. He said: “For many people corporate social responsibility is easy to deal with – it means giving your employees free fruit, right? Of course, this is a good start, but corporate social responsibility is about much more. It’s about creating a culture that nurtures mental health as well as good physical health and it requires more than just box-ticking. “With Brexit on the horizon,
fluctuating interest rates and new regulations, it’s natural to worry
about the facts and figures. But don’t forget who drives the success of your business – your staff. “Start by creating a company mental health policy.
“This will show your ‘Business
staff that you take mental health seriously, outline standards of acceptable behaviour and ensure that everybody knows where to go for support within your business.” In a recent study carried out by
leaders have a duty to educate both themselves and their staff about mental health’
mental health charity, Mind, 30% of respondents disagreed with the statement “I would feel able to talk openly with my line manager if I was feeling stressed”, while 56% of managers said they wanted to do more to improve staff wellbeing but lacked the guidance. Brady added: “Business leaders
have a duty to educate both themselves and their staff about mental health and there are a variety of resources and training courses available through charities like Mind. “By enrolling yourself and your employees on these courses you encourage a culture of openness.”
Brady George
Children’s charity in inaugural award win
A local charity that cares for terminally ill children at home has scooped the Best Charity award at the first ever South West Business and Community Awards. Jessie May provides medical
care and respite for children in Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset and impressed judges of the Charity category, which also shortlisted six other organisations in the region. Organised by Great British Expos
and held at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Swindon, the awards ceremony was attended by over 250 business people and community figures in an evening of recognition and celebration. Julian Withers, head of fundraising at Jessie May, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Best Charity Award, especially at the inaugural event. “We’re pleased that the judges
recognised the hard work and passion we put in. Our Jessie May nurses are a lifeline to parents and siblings as well as children who are going through a very tough time
8 insight MARCH/APRIL 2018
Julian Withers (right) being presented with the award
and need complex emotional and medical support from professionals. “We’re hoping that winning this
award will raise our profile across the region so that we can continue to help support many more families.” Alec Jones-Hall, director of South
West Business and Community Awards, said: “We are proud and excited to be celebrating outstanding achievement across the region and rewarding those who are making a huge impact throughout the South West.”
Visit:
www.jessiemay.org.uk
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