In this solo episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty explores how employers and employees can work together to create a positive mental health culture at work and the simple, everyday habits that support our own wellbeing. He covers key UK legislation and guidance, shares the latest HSE statistics, and offers practical steps for both organisations and individuals.

Key Takeaways

UK employers have a duty under health and safety regulations to protect both physical and mental health; guidance spans NICE, the HSE, and laws including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Act 1998, and data laws such as the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

HSE 2023/24 figures highlight the scale of the issue: 776,000 workers with work-related stress, depression or anxiety; 300,000 new cases; 16.4 million working days lost; these conditions account for 46% of all work-related ill-health, despite a 14% drop vs the previous period.

Employers can foster a healthy culture with a mental health action plan, clear policies, training (including first aid for mental health), open-door communication, recognition and reward, employee involvement in decisions, and visible leadership commitment.

Employees can contribute by learning about mental health, checking in on colleagues, speaking up early, embracing inclusion, using breaks well, planning rest and annual leave, and listening to their bodies.

Personal wellbeing is built on small, consistent actions: time with loved ones, exercise, healthy eating, good sleep, hobbies, volunteering, mindfulness, and contacting your GP when concerned. The NHS “Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing” are: connect, be active, keep learning, give to others, and be mindful.

Key Moments

“Every workplace has a duty… to make sure that there’s no risk to our health”—and that includes mental health.

The headline numbers: “16.4 million working days lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety.”

Practical culture change: introduce a mental health action plan, provide training and an open-door policy, and recognise achievements to boost morale and motivation.

The NHS’s five steps—connect, be active, keep learning, give, be mindful—offer a simple framework to build resilience inside and outside the workplace.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a look back at when host John Fogarty spoke with Louise Jordan - Director, Coach and Trainer at Luminary Life Ltd, Lucy Jordan - Director at Onward Commercial Ltd and Dr Julia Jones - Neuroscientist & Founder of Holidity. The conversation covers the importance of mental health, both in the workplace and individual daily lives. They highlight how physical and mental health are interlinked and that employers need to address underlying stressors, not just provide occasional wellness activities.

It's not just about throwing in the occasional wellness activity or two. Addressing those underlying stressors head-on is vital to see real change. The key is accountability. You need to be willing to hold yourself accountable for making these changes stick. It's not about perfection – it's about progress. Taking it one step at a time, and remembering that every small change adds up is key.

Key Takeaways

Tackling workplace stress is not just about throwing in some yoga classes or meditation sessions every now and then. Employers need to get to the root of the problem by addressing those underlying causes of stress, like workload and company culture.

When it comes to supporting mental and physical health, daily habits like consistent sleep and wake times can make a huge difference.

To make lasting changes for your mental wellbeing, working with someone who can hold you accountable and offer support can help you make those changes stick.

Best Moments

“There is no such thing as mental health and physical health. They are all so intricately interlinked. That it is one system that we're talking about.”

“I think all too often I speak to people who kind of have all these tools or tool bag, a mental health tool bag, and then they only pull them out when they're absolutely stressed and can't get out of bed in the morning.”

“I think it's really great that the mental health movement has grown so much, but I also think that there is still a lot of confusion around it.”

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of JPF First Aid, we speak to Anne Scanlon, a counsellor with over 24 years’ experience specialising in bereavement and anticipatory grief. Anne has worked extensively with children and young people in hospice and educational settings and now runs a private practice. She shares her expertise on how grief affects children differently to adults and why inclusion and communication are vital in helping them process loss.

Key Takeaways

Children process grief differently from adults; they often jump in and out of emotional states quickly as a natural coping mechanism.

Including children in the grieving process helps them build a clearer understanding and prevents feelings of isolation.

Schools and professionals can play a significant role in supporting grieving children, and training can empower staff to respond confidently and compassionately.

Key Moments

“Adults are in a fast-flowing river of grief… children jump in and out of puddles. One minute they’re in it, the next they’re not. It’s a natural coping strategy.”

“If we don’t talk to children about grief, they fill in the gaps themselves, and they don’t always get it right.”

“Tears are your medicine. They show children it’s okay to feel, and it gives them permission to cry too.”

About the Guest

A BACP-accredited counsellor since 2012, Anne Scanlon has over 20 years’ experience supporting adults, young people, and children in Solihull, Tamworth, and online. She offers a safe, non-judgemental space to explore thoughts, feelings, and memories, using creative approaches like art and play with younger clients. Specialising in bereavement, Anne helps individuals navigate grief by giving voice to memories and emotions. She empowers clients to understand themselves, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.