That’s why Safer Highways, through our ‘Road to Wellbeing’ programme are proud to partner with industry leading organisations to drive forward the agenda around awareness of the various triggers of poor mental health through our “Big Conversation” events.The latest of these will be held, as most events are in the wave of the current pandemic, in a virtual space but with the hope that the evening will take place in front of a small, hand-picked and socially distanced audience on 12th May 2021 – live from the Kennington Film Studios in London.
To be hosted by Karl Simons OBE, Chief Health, Safety and Securities officer of Thames Water, and the Safer Highways lead on its ground-breaking mental health programme, the event will feature a list of household names and industry professionals having a series of one to one open and honest conversations about their own personal struggles with various contributory factors to poor mental health.
These will range from physical events such as dealing with grief, Bipolar disease and post-natal depression as well as serving as the first public-facing unveiling of a report into the findings of the first six months of the One Million Lives.
In its first three months, One Million Lives has had over 5,500 individuals complete its check in. Featuring a series of self-help tools as well as signposts for those who feel they are in need of further help the One Million Lives website (www.oml.world) also acts as a conduit for those who simply wish to benchmark where they sit on the mental health equilibrium to do so anonymously and without fear of prejudice.
Speaking about the event, Global VP of Health and Safety at Jacobs, Paul Hendy said,
“We launched One Million Lives with the aim of truly making a difference in the space of Mental Health. To do this we all need to place our arms on each others shoulders, and link hands to face the considerable challenges ahead.Covid-19 has placed an immense strain on every individuals wellbeing and this event is designed to show all of those across the world engaging with us that you are not alone, there are things you can do and places you can go for support.”
Also speaking at the launch of the event, Kevin Robinson, CEO of Safer Highways spoke of his pride at being asked to be involved. He said,
“For a number of years both Jacobs and Safer Highways alongside our industry partners have been working in tandem to raise the stand of provision of support around mental health in the workplace.Our own Thriving at Work survey enabled employers to do this and then last year through One Million Lives we now have a tool to enable individuals to do this – both with no cost.Our next challenge on the journey is to raise awareness and get individuals to truly feel comfortable with opening up about their own struggles.The collective aim of this event is to precisely that by using industry professionals and household names in the hope that we inspire others to speak out.”
Mental Health is vitally important to all employers, but in the midst of a global pandemic, ensuring we are seen to be leading the provision of support around the subject is more vital than ever.
