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Meet Your New AFB Mental Health First Aiders

July 06, 2021

First aiders

As part of A.F. Blakemore’s Wellbeing in the Workplace programme, the company is pleased to announce that 26 colleagues have qualified as mental health first aiders.

Group HR & Strategy Director Ian Diment commented: “As a business, we recognise the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, both mentally and physically.

“Our aim is to implement a mental health programme across the A.F. Blakemore group that engages, enables and supports staff at all levels.

“Congratulations to all our newly qualified mental health first aiders, who have all completed an internationally recognised training programme.”

The first aiders will be spending time across different areas of the business to ensure that they are as accessible to colleagues as possible. 
 

What is the role of a mental health first aider?

A mental health first aider is someone you can reach out to for confidential support and guidance if you (or someone close to you) are experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress.

Mental health first aiders can also provide early intervention and support if you have any concerns about how you are feeling and the impact this is having on your mental health and wellbeing.

Initially, they may offer a one-to-one conversation to enable you to discuss and share your thoughts and feelings, or be able to signpost you to appropriate support services.

Mental health first aiders are not trained to be therapists or psychiatrists, but they can offer you impartial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance.

If you feel you could benefit from a conversation with a mental health first aider, please do reach out. 
 

Who are your mental health first aiders and how can you reach out to them?

Your mental health first aiders are as follows: 

Retail
Ian Bailes
Carolyne Barker
Mark Bostock
Colin Davies
Mandy Gasson
Dave Parry
Carl White
Caroline Wills

Trade Partners
Nicola Thomas

Logistics
Zak Aston
Nikky Ball
Chloe Ball
Chris Bryan
Chris Caddick
Sunil Kainth
Terina Jones

Foodservice
Cheryl Hope
Stuart McQuillan
Kerry Webster

Fresh Foods
Malcolm Coates
Sonia Evans

Trading
Gerald Aldridge
Mark Collins
Marianne Lawrence

Finance
Bev Jones

Human Resources
Olivia Millard

Please check the News section on MyHR for their contact details. 
 

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