We believe that everyone has the potential to be the best person for the job, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or disability. Which is why we have a team of Inclusion Ambassadors who are becoming subject matter experts in their special interest. They support our colleagues and our clients on Inclusion and form part of our commitment to be the UK's best inclusive recruiter.
We caught up with Seren Rees, who is our Project Delivery Recruiter working within our Logistics and Supply Chain team based in our Swindon Office, and our Mental Health Ambassador.
Tell us a bit about yourself, Seren!
I have been at Outsource for just over a year and it has been a great 14 months! I passed my Probation 4 months early, which was a huge achievement! I was also recently promoted to Recruiter level 1, so it has been a successful return to work!
Why did you choose to be a Mental Health Ambassador?
Following my personal experiences with Mental Health, I wanted to support others who may be feeling the same way I have. It is important for me to give back to Outsource too as I’m very grateful to the team for all their support too. Everyone needs a little help sometimes, and I wanted to be able to offer that support.
Why do you think that supporting Mental Health in the workplace is so important?
Everyone deserves to feel happy and healthy at home, and in the workplace, so providing a positive space for Mental Health to be supported is key for everyone to reach their personal and professional goals. Knowing there is someone in the office who can help in a time of need, however that may be, can aid employees in continuing to come to work each day (which is always something to be proud of!).
Is there any advice that you’d share for any employees that may be struggling at the moment?
- My first is to reach out, to whoever that may be, whether it is a colleague, friend, family member, or professional. This can be a hard thing to do, but you are not alone.
- One tip is to find something in every day that makes you smile, it can be however big or small, and make the day seem better. It could be anything from the sunshine to a good cup of tea!
- Remember to not blame yourself for how you are feeling, sometimes our Mental Health needs some support, but you will get through this I promise.
Is there any advice you could give to anyone that knows someone that’s struggling with their Mental Health at the moment?
- My advice would be to let them know you are there. They may not want to talk about it at that moment, but keep checking in on the person regularly to ensure they are safe.
- Sending them some links to useful websites, phone numbers etc. can be helpful also, to show there are options available.
- Visit Mind's webpage - helping someone else which has information on supporting other people and looking after your own wellbeing too.
You recently became one of our amazing Mental Health First Aiders, can you tell us a bit more about that?
It has been a big achievement to qualify as a Mental Health First Aider and learn the best way to help people in a moment of crisis. It had a focus on Suicide prevention which is very close to my heart, and how to use the Mental Health England resources to keep someone in a safe environment.
What have you got planned for your role as an Ambassador for this year?
I am looking forward to helping with the wellbeing events in the Outsource Calendar alongside the Culture Champions. September is Suicide Awareness Month so it will be good to do some activities to raise awareness of this important topic.
What Mental Health support do we have in the workplace?
- Mental Health First Aiders.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors.
- Confidential 24/7 counselling support.
- Occupational Health Provider.
- Internal wellbeing sessions.
Important numbers for Mental Health support:
If you just need to talk, any time of day or night:
- Samaritans - Call 116 123 for free, whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They're there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Shout - Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line. Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
- Mind - 0300 123 3393 - they provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Coping during a crisis:
- Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline
- NHS Helpline - Call 111.
- In an emergency, always call 999.
Want to learn more about our Inclusion Ambassador Team?
Visit our Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance page for more information and a list of all of our Ambassadors.
