Churchill Launches “We’re Here” Mental Health Initiative

At Churchill Support Services, we’ve long been an ambassador for open dialogue and support for those dealing with mental health issues. Our position on the Mental Health Charter has always been something we’re proud of, but we felt it’s time to take that a step further.

That’s where our new initiative comes in. We wanted something that really encapsulated our conscientious and supportive attitude towards those suffering with mental health problems, and that’s why we came up with the “We’re Here” programme.

It’s a perfect summary of what we want to achieve with this programme. In the corporate world, there’s a lot of words and ideas that aren’t supported with actual action – we want to change that. We want to do more than simply tick a box or shout about something we can’t support with action.

There’s a lot of concerning statistics surrounding mental health and its increasing prevalence across society, and one of the things we want to avoid with our mental health programme is reducing it down to numbers.

There are people behind those statistics, and that’s what really matters to myself and the other members of our team – helping the people, not the stats. That’s why I’ve handpicked people that I know care, that I know embody our virtues, and that I know can make a difference.

That team is:

• Emily Macaulay as the Deputy Chair
• Rachael Adamson
• Elina Staimilere
• Scott Russell
• Steph Taylor

We all have our own reasons for wanting to be part of this new initiative. We all understand on a personal level how much our mental health can be a massive factor in our day-to-day lives, and that’s why we’ve gotten involved with such a good cause.

I’m a firm believer in the power of a supportive workplace, and especially so in an industry like security which can be demanding at times. I’ve seen and experienced that support firsthand, and I want to open that opportunity up to others across the business.

That truly sums up what we want from this mental health programme – to offer a channel for everyone, no matter what capacity they work in, to access support, resources and above all a chat. It’s all about providing a way to talk about what’s bothering us, and sharing the problems with a team of people who are willing to listen.

I believe that, even if we only help one person with the issues they’re facing, this programme will have truly been a success. I’m so proud to be spearheading it, and I look forward to my next update!