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Fayann SimpsonFayann Simpson is a board member at Sustainability for Housing and chair of L&Q’s resident services board
Supporting staff and residents with mental health issues
Talking to your employer or landlord about mental health can feel like a risky step. On Time to Talk Day, Fayann Simpson explains how housing associations can help
Mental health is in the spotlight now more than ever.
With prominent figures such as Prince William and Prince Harry being open about their own experiences, it feels as though people are becoming more comfortable broaching the subject with family and friends.
Talking to your employer or landlord, however, can feel like a riskier step. What if they think you can’t do your job properly?
Or keep up with rent payments? There is a fear that stigma could turn into discrimination, with very real consequences.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that some people choose to hide mental health issues in these circumstances.
At L&Q, we believe that being open and non-judgmental is the first step to offering the best support, which is why we have signed the Time to Change pledge to end mental health discrimination.
“There is a fear that stigma could turn into discrimination, with very real consequences”
So, what does this mean for our employees and residents?
We have recently reviewed and relaunched our vulnerable residents policy and are working hard to make sure that our staff feel confident in identifying and recording those with extra support needs. This means we are providing service adjustments, in-house support and external referrals where appropriate.
For example, someone with anxiety may prefer home visits, longer appointment times or a dedicated support worker to reduce any stress they may feel around attending meetings.
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Our tenancy sustainment team have all been trained in cognitive behavioural therapy, and we also have a pilot running with full-time health and well-being co-ordinators visiting residents aged over 55.
Of course, there is always room to improve, and we have consulted with the mental health charity Mind to explore how we can continue to improve our service as we update our mental health offer to residents.
We are also currently accepting proposals for a planned two-year outreach programme aimed at improving residents’ health and well-being, and updating our policies to help people with mental health conditions such as hoarding.
To ensure that the people we employ feel supported to do their best work, we have introduced an employee well-being programme called iMatter, which focuses on life skills and mental, physical and financial health.
We have also introduced specially trained mental health champions who offer a first line of support for their colleagues and can signpost staff to specialist support where necessary.
Additionally, we are training all people managers mental health awareness so they can identify the early signs that someone may be experiencing difficulties and ensure they are supported.
“We have introduced specially trained mental health champions who offer a first line of support for their colleagues”
We are also updating our policies and procedures, approving a new ‘mental health at work’ policy that ensures no one needs to worry about facing discrimination.
Mental health issues are challenging enough for those affected without them having to worry about the impact on their job or living situation.
We don’t want anyone to feel they are facing them alone. It’s time to change, and time to talk about, the way we all help the people we work for and with when it comes to mental health.
Fayann Simpson, resident board member, L&Q
What is Time to Change and Time to Talk?
Time to Change is a campaign, spearheaded by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, which aims to tackle stigmatisation around mental health issues.
It encourages employers to sign a pledge to demonstrate commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health.
Organisations taking part draw up an action plan to get employees talking about mental health.
More than 900 organisations across all sectors have signed the pledge to date.
Time to Talk is a day of action on social media led by the campaign to encourage people to discuss mental health issues.
Watch a video about the campaign here:
