Karbon pledges that it’s Time to Change

Karbon Homes has today (World Mental Health Day, 10^th October) signed up to be a supporter of the Time to Change initiative to change how we think and act about mental health at every level of our organisation.

We already have a strong connection to caring for those with poor mental health, through the work our supported housing colleagues do, supporting those in our communities who are living with mental health challenges.

But we recognise that we need to raise awareness across the entire organisation about looking after our mental health – and that of our friends and family too.

Research shows that one in four of us will experience a mental health problem each year and 9 in 10 of those affected say they have faced negative treatment from others as a result.

By choosing to be open about mental health, Karbon aims to be part of a movement that’s changing the conversation around mental health and ensuring that no one feels isolated or unsupported with their mental health problem.  

Our Time to Change action plan includes:

• Introducing Mental Health Champions in the workplace so colleagues always know that there is someone they can talk to who can either be a listening ear or can help to signpost them to further support. Our Mental Health Champions will be existing colleagues who have a keen interest in mental health. Maybe they have their own lived experience or have supported friends or family. Over the coming weeks we will be sharing more information about Mental Health Champions and how they will be recruited and trained.
• Making online resources available. Throughout intranet we now give colleagues access to a range of e-booklets from Mind and collagues can also access NHS self help guides
• We will deliver Mental Health Awareness training to all line managers in 2020. This will support them in being better prepared to have conversations with their colleagues about mental health.

Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of Karbon Homes, said: “We want everyone who works here to feel they can be open about their mental health, and ask for support if they need it.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to say when a colleague is struggling with their mental well-being, however I find it is often better to say something, even if that is just to say “I am here if you want to talk”, than to say nothing at all. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to care.”