Mental Strength and Well-being client testimonial
Tina Naylor
Tina Naylor is a Manager in Global Client Services at NetExpat. When she needed to access a Mental Health First Aider Refresher course, she was drawn to Christine Spencer after discovering her on the Mental Health First Aid England website.
“I had completed my Mental Health First Aid training with a different employer, so when I needed to undertake a Mental Health First Aid Refresher course I searched on the Mental Health First Aid England site to find someone suitable to deliver it. Christine’s profile was on there, amongst others but Christine’s stood out and I was right to choose her as she was warm, welcoming and made me feel comfortable; that is important when you are dealing with difficult topics.”
Tina’s job is to help support the partners of employees that are being relocated through work. She has found that her Mental Health First Aid training has helped her in her role, as well as to support her colleagues.
“I have found my training useful when talking to moving partners about how they, and their family, feel about the changes. It is good that companies are recognising that the inclusion and mental wellbeing of the partners is important when faced with so much uncertainty; they are now realising that the whole family needs looking after to make the relocation a success. The partners are so grateful to be asked what they want and feel listened to, my training has helped me to have the difficult conversations needed.”
Supporting mental health in the workplace is a legal duty of care, it can also take the pressure off managers and supervisors to deal with a situation with an employee that they might not feel comfortable, or able to. Tina has used her training in her workplace to support and signpost colleagues.
“If you have a dedicated Mental Health First Aider they don’t have the fear that it will be taken further, at work it is easier to speak to someone who is distanced from your immediate role or team. Supporting mental health at work helps with overall employee wellbeing, I am able to listen and signpost colleagues to local support groups and charities.
“I recently had a colleague approach me who was struggling. I reached out to Christine to ask her if Mental Health England had any kind of help in place to provide guidance. Christine immediately offered to have a quick chat with me, which turned into a half an hour phone call, where she reassured me and made me feel supported. I am very grateful to Christine that she went out of her way to give me her time and assurance.”
“I was apprehensive about how much I could learn from a refresher course, but Christine’s straightforward approach and warm, welcoming nature made everyone feel comfortable and we were able to openly discuss and learn from each other’s experiences. The additional support that I have received from Christine was invaluable in further developing my understanding of mental health needs in the workplace.”