Published date: 10 May 2021
Mental Health Awareness Week: A moment with Kar-Ming To
NHS Property Services is aiming to create a workplace where we are all more aware of our own mental health, where we know how to proactively look after our wellbeing, and where we are well equipped to have conversations around mental health and support each other.
To help with this, NHSPS is currently running a pilot Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course. This is run by Mental Health First Aid England and teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. Find out more here. We’ll then be looking to roll it out more widely over summer and launching the network in autumn.
Kar-Ming To, Head of NHS Debt and Dispute Resolution, is taking part in the training and shares his thoughts on how it’s going, this Mental Health Awareness Week.
An interview with...
Over the past year, the conversation about mental health has become more prominent in society due to COVID-19. What do you think are the benefits of people speaking openly about mental health?
I don’t think it will surprise many that mental health challenges, especially due to COVID-19, has impacted most people directly or indirectly. It certainly impacted me!
Talking openly about it not only increases awareness, reduces stigma involved around mental health and hopefully means that people who are suffering greater mental health challenges can get support sooner.
Why are you taking part in the mental health first training?
Firstly, I couldn’t really refuse when being offered the chance, as I felt that the business has been fantastic in making it possible for me to work through the pandemic from home, so I felt it would be a good way to repay that by upskilling and being able to greater support my colleagues.
Secondly, it was so I could gain a greater understanding of mental health issues, understanding symptoms and ways of being able to help myself and people through their challenges. Whilst I’ve been extremely fortunate to be able to work from home, it certainly has been challenging (home schooling!!!).
Thirdly, being able to promote awareness and to say that it’s ok, you’re not alone, but the company is here to support you.
How do you think having this training within NHS Property Services will impact the conversation around mental health within the company?
I hope that it can encourage colleagues who may be suffering from mental health issues to talk about it / speak with a Mental Health First Aider if necessary.
It also demonstrates that the company’s commitment to colleague wellbeing so by having the MHFA trained colleagues hopefully it will reduce the stigma and boundaries of people speaking about their struggles.
How do you think the training will benefit you and the people around you?
My reflection around the past year is that I have personally been through a mental health journey, but hopefully through the worst of it!
The training has certainly given me greater perspective and understanding on the topic so I feel better equipped to listen and hopefully support myself, my team and family and friends should the need arise.
Colleague wellbeing handbook
We’d like to create a workplace where we are all more aware of our own mental health, where we know how to proactively look after our wellbeing, and where we are well equipped to have conversations around mental health and support each other. Take a look at our colleague handbook to find out how we're supporting our people.
