Mental Health Awareness Week: West Midlands new homes provider leads the way with wellbeing support

The new homes provider, which has multiple Shared Ownership developments across the West Midlands has over 40 mental health first aiders across the business, operating from its sites, and offices, including its Wolverhampton and Lichfield bases.

The mental health first aiders are full time Bromford employees, who combine their day jobs with being on hand to support their colleagues with any difficulties they may be experiencing.

To become a mental health first aider, the Bromford employees undergo extensive training from Mental Health First Aid England, so they can watch out for the early signs of mental health issues, work-related illnesses or emotional distress.

Similarly to a designated first aider for physical health in the workplace, mental health first aiders are not medically qualified and cannot make diagnoses, but facilitate the best course of action, whether that be a conversation with a line manager, referral to external support resources or recommendation to see a doctor.

Paramveer Gill, Commercial Property Solicitor and mental health first aider at Bromford, said: “In terms of mental health, Bromford is by far the most supportive company I have worked for.

“They’re also the best at identifying mental health issues early, and are incredibly proactive in employee engagement around the topic.

“Bromford help to not only ensure people feel supported, but push the agenda around mental health to make it a topic of conversation both internally and externally.”

Helpful resources are regularly distributed within the workforce by the mental health first aiders which are educational, provided refreshers, and keep staff updated on what is available to them.

Paramveer added: “It’s great that we’re on the front foot when it comes to spotting signs and catching potential issues as early as possible.

“As mental health first aiders we’re always making ourselves visible, giving talks and getting involved in events.

“There are so many avenues of support that can be offered through both ourselves and through external experts, so to be able to help in whatever way incredibly rewarding.

For more information on Bromford and other Shared Ownership homes and developments, please visit www.bromford.co.uk, or contact the sales team on [email protected].

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