Hospitality giant trains up staff in new Mental Health positions
One of Ayrshire’s main hospitality employers has trained up Mental Health First Aiders to work across its business.
Buzzworks Holdings said the introduction of the 11 staff members was a “further demonstration of its commitment to supporting the wellbeing of its people”.
Successful candidates completed a certified course at Ayrshire College over 12 hours.
The course offered advice on how to recognise when someone might have a problem and how to provide immediate help – the workshop also covered suicide prevention.
Topics included attitudes to mental health, recovery, listening skills, depression, suicide, anxiety, psychosis, self- harm, alcohol and drugs, how and where to get help, and looking after personal wellbeing.
One new Buzzworks graduate, Andressa Garcia, said: “The course certainly opened my eyes to mental health and how to deal with those who are struggling from negative issues.
“Across the two days I’ve learnt a great deal on how to effectively act as a mental health first aider, and for me, the number one thing I took away from the course is how to listen and communicate in a non- judgemental way.
“It’s great to have gained the confidence to be able to step up and have the knowledge to support a person in distress, especially at work.
“I’ve been using the techniques I learned from the course daily within my workplace and I’m very grateful to have gained such a positive new skill set.”
Attending the Mental Health First Aider course formed part of the Buzzworks Health and Wellbeing Strategy which includes an Employee Assistance Programme provided by Hospitality Action – Buzzworks’ charity partner for 2020/ 21.
Hospitality Action provides a range of support services for people working within the hospitality industry, including a 24 hour hotline for advice, counselling sessions on stress, addiction and abuse, to grants for help with debt or short term money concerns.
As a subscriber to the Employee Assistance Programme ( EAP) from Hospitality Action, all Buzzworks colleagues have access to impartial advice, support and services 24/ 7, free of charge.
Carole Lamond, People Director at Buzzworks, said: “Training and wellbeing for our people is a core principle at Buzzworks and it’s a way for us to give back to our teams.
“Encouraging a positive attitude towards mental health in the workplace and at home is really important to us.
“It’s fantastic to now have a group trained as Mental Health First Aiders across the business and we know this will enhance our already strong commitment to supporting our people regarding all mental health issues.”
Buzzworks currently manages 12 venues including Scotts in Troon, Vic’s & The Vine in Prestwick, Lido venues in Prestwick and Troon, The Tree House in Ayr and The Long House and Duke in Kilmarnock.