Thames' mental health first aid policy features in new guidance

Thames Water was one of eight companies consulted by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England in its compilation of new published guidelines for employers, Implementing Mental Health First Aiders.

Thames said it had “embedded mental health first aiders throughout our business,” and had seen “a 75 per cent reduction in work-related stress, anxiety and depression since 2014.”

The MHFA guidance features advice on recruiting, promoting and supporting staff trained in mental health first aid in line with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommendations. HSE estimates that 15.4 million working days a year are lost due to mental ill health.

Thames Water’s chief health, safety and security officer, Karl Simons, said: “The introduction of mental health first aiders has led to a cultural revolution across Thames Water. Mental health first aiders are a catalyst for engagement, providing our employees with the confidence to come forward and seek support at their time of need.”

Alongside the new guidance, the MHFA has published strengthened guidance on the role of the person trained in Mental Health First Aid.