Men's Health Week 2024
This Men’s Health Week, we have been reflecting on our male orientated workforce and how we can promote better physical, emotional and mental well-being. We are passionate about continuing to challenge the stigma attached to poor mental health and providing a safe space for our colleagues to share any challenges that they may be facing.
We remind our colleagues that we need your support to help us to continue fostering a culture of wellbeing. Together, we can continue to challenge the stigma attached to poor mental health and make a difference by supporting one another.
Steve Drew, our Executive Director (South West) has taken this opportunity to reflect on his own experiences which he has shared with us in a powerful piece that reminds us that in life, we will face challenges and how we respond to them, by seeking support, is what makes us stronger.
It's Time to Start Talking: Why Men's Health Matters
We all know the drill: no matter what happens, we’ve got to be in control, keep going and get the job done. We’ve all been there. But many of us have learned the hard way that bottling things up isn’t a sign of strength, it’s a recipe for disaster. At Bell, we’re all about getting the job done right and ‘being better’, and that includes looking after ourselves.
I’ve learned to think about it like this: you wouldn’t head out to a site with a faulty tool, would you? Your mental health is just as important, if you’re not feeling right, it affects your work, the people around you, and your whole life.
Sometimes we look after our cars better than ourselves, forgetting that we need to stop, check all is good, and remind ourselves that an MOT and service is a requirement, not a luxury.
It’s well known that men are more likely to keep things to themselves and less likely to seek help. And that’s got to stop. Being strong is about handling whatever life throws your way. It’s about having the guts to admit when you need a hand.
We can start by talking to people we trust and tell them what’s going on. You’ll be surprised how many of us have been in the same boat. And if someone reaches out to you, take the time to listen, we can all look out for each other.
Health Assured
Please remember that our Employee Assistance Programme which is provided by Health Assured remains available to all our employees. Health Assured can provide support on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues.
Health Assured can be contacted 24/7 on 0800 028 0199 where professionally qualified counsellors are available to take your call and provide confidential advice and support on any issue that may be concerning you. There is no cost to you for accessing this service.
