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Blue Light Mental Health at Work Commitment

Wellbeing at EEAST graphic

The Blue Light Mental Health at Work Commitment is a collective movement across all emergency services and throughout the UK and is a statement of intent, declaring that mental health at work is a strategic priority for all.

EEAST staff and volunteers face significant challenges to their wellbeing as a result of the intense demands they face in the course of their work.

Chief Executive Tom Abell said:

“We are currently experiencing some of the most significant and sustained pressures across urgent and emergency care services in recent years across the country.  This is placing  immense pressure on our people which reinforces the need to better support them when they experience, or are at risk of experiencing of ill health.

“As part of our work to improve the support we provide, we have signed up to the Blue Light Mental Health at Work Commitment, by which the Trust publicly undertakes to work towards the standards of the commitment put together by the mental health charity MIND.

"I would urge any colleague experiencing mental health issues to speak to their manager and use the support available to get help.”

The Blue Light Mental Health at Work Commitment has six standards which are to:

  1. Prioritise mental health in the workplace by developing and delivering a systematic programme of activity
  2. Proactively ensure work design and organisational culture drive positive mental health outcomes
  3. Promote an open culture around mental health
  4. Increase organisational confidence and capability
  5. Provide mental health tools and support
  6. Increase transparency and accountability through internal and external reporting

The drive towards meeting this commitment will be managed by the new EEAST Wellbeing Team which is currently being tripled in size (from two staff to six).  The team will shortly be launching a new Wellbeing Network across EEAST to ensure that anyone in EEAST who wants to be involved can help steer and be a part of a wellbeing effort in the Trust.

If you are passionate about mental health and wellbeing, the Wellbeing team would like to hear from you. Please email wellbeing@eastamb.nhs.uk to be added to their Wellbeing Network mailing list to receive regular updates and support our new wellbeing initiatives.

Published 20th April 2022