Every year the International Stress Management Association (ISMAUK) runs a campaign ‘to raise awareness of stress around the world and improve the ways in which stress is managed in the workplace and in our personal lives’.

This year the theme is ‘Beyond Stress Management: From Stigma to Solutions’ which is something we wholeheartedly agree with, and campaign for. Therefore, we are encouraging our Supporters to break down the barriers to finding solutions, by starting the conversation within their own organisations and across their networks during International Stress Awareness Week (Monday 30 October to Friday 3 November) and in particular on National Stress Awareness Day (Wednesday 1 November 2023). 

Why is International Stress Awareness Week important?

We know that stress at work can have a devastating impact on someone and that it can have life changing repercussions for them as well as their family, friends and colleagues:

We also know that in 2021/22[1]:

• There were 914,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety.
• Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 51% of all work-related ill-health cases and 55% of all working days lost due to work-related ill-health.
• The main work factors cited as causing work-related stress, depression or anxiety include the demands of the job, lack of control, lack of information and support, work relationships, and roles and responsibilities.

Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees, including mental health/stress. Mental wellbeing also benefits the business, for example, increased productivity, a reduction in sickness and staff turnover, and it demonstrates that the organisation is a good, safe, and supportive place to work. Research has found that, on average, businesses achieve a £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support[2].

Mental wellbeing in the workplace is also good for the employee, for example, improving confidence, purpose, achievement, positive relationships, and inclusion.

And finally, we know that it does not have to be this way. Through working collaboratively, we can be the change that is needed to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace. Ensuring all teams are supported through a proactive prevention strategy which raises awareness, improves understanding and the confidence to address the stigma of mental ill-health, and creates supportive workplaces.

Resources

At Mates in Mind, we work with organisations to improve the mental health of their workforce by providing the skills, clarity, and confidence to employers on how to raise awareness, improve understanding and address the stigma that surrounds mental health.

This is why we have created a suite of resources to support organisations not only on World Mental Health Day, but also to create a holistic and ongoing programme of support.

Please click on the link below to download a free A3 poster. You can personalise it by adding the relevant details of your Mental Health First Aiders, HR team, Employee Assistance Programme and so on, in the white box. Please then share it across your organisation.

If you are a Supporter, please see the link further down this page.

Please also visit our Resources page where you can download a free Managing Stress Factsheet.

If the information on this page has resonated with you, and if you or someone you know needs help or support, you can speak to one of the many free, confidential support services below:

Support Services

Mates in Mind Supporters

We have additional materials available for our Supporters:

• A calendar of activities for each day during the week. This can be shared with your teams to raise awareness of stress and start to find remedies for it.
• Access to Stress Awareness resources including a Stress Awareness Toolbox Talk, a Managing and Reducing Workplace Stress Handbook, a Managing Stress Factsheet, a Financial Debt Wellbeing Guide, a Dealing with Financial Stress Infographic, and so on.

To access these materials please log in to the Supporter portal, and access your resources:

Log in

If you are not a Supporter but would like to find out more about our Programme please read on.

How we can support you

Mates in Mind can support your organisation to build a mental health plan and to create a culture of prevention.

Our dedicated team of Support Managers work with organisations of any size to develop a tailored action plan, evaluating your organisation's priorities and gaps, and providing the tools and support you need.

This plan includes ongoing support with communication and delivery of your plan, as well as training opportunities, promotional materials, and a suite of tools (including World Mental Health Day and World Suicide Prevention Day packs) to enable you to drive long-lasting and meaningful change.

Find out more about how we can help your organisation build a culture of prevention when you become a Supporter by:

• Visiting our Become a Supporter page.
• Calling: 020 3510 5018.
• Using this contact form.

If you would like to know when we publish new resources, please complete the newsletter sign up at the bottom of this page.

References:

[1] Health and safety statistics (hse.gov.uk)

[2] Mental health and employers: the case for investment - pandemic and beyond | Deloitte UK