Staff get training in mental health aid

FIFTY staff at a workplace supplies company are being trained as mental health first aiders.

Office Depot, which has its headquarters in Leicester, said the volunteers will learn to spot warning signs of mental health issues so they can support struggling colleagues and promote recovery.

The training is being rolled out in Leicester and at its digital innovation centre in Milton Keynes and customer contact centres in Dublin and Ashton.

Thomas Lingen, vice-president of legal, human resources and communication, said: “Office Depot’s greatest asset is our people and it’s important we look after them.

“This initiative is part of our health and well-being programme to do everything we can to continually improve the support we offer as a company.

“Mental health is a growing concern and our first aiders will provide peer-to-peer support to colleagues, identify issues early and make a massive difference to each other.”

Antony Phillips, 41, a commercial analysis manager in Leicester, was among the first recruits.

He said: “I signed up because I’ve come across people suffering with their mental health in my personal and professional life and I wanted to be in a position to better help them.

“The training has given me the tools I need to be able to identify the first signs people may be struggling and the ability and confidence to be able to talk to that person.

“The training isn’t about finding a cure, it’s about being that first point of contact.”