We're extremely proud to announce that J&PR has signed the Mental Health Charter, in affiliation with Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Merulae Ltd. We are passionate, at J&PR, about looking after one another's mental health, here's what directors Rhea and Kirsty have to say about signing the Charter and what they do to encourage good mental health at J&PR.
Being aware of mental health has always been something that J&PR directors Rhea and Kirsty have been on top of.
This is because when they joined together to form the business Rhea had already experienced a real struggle with post-natal depression.
This meant the importance of things like the work/life balance, a good working environment and supportive colleagues became the natural working order of the business - and it is something that they have never forgotten over the past decade.
Rhea says: “When I saw that the Shropshire Chamber had teamed up with Merulae Ltd to provide a framework for providing a workplace that is supportive of mental health and wellbeing for the workforce I knew that I wanted to sign the charter.
“Mental health issues are not something that just go away, I know this from experience, and different people deal with it in many different ways with a variety of coping strategies and ranging needs.
“We committed a long time ago to improving mental health and wellbeing in our organisation and we know how beneficial it is for our employees - and for our business and the clients we work with.
“Recognising that many many people experience mental health issues in their lives is important and it is our responsibility as employers to have support in place for those that do.”
J&PR launched its employee Wellness Programme in 2016 which includes staff having a paid day off for their birthday, accessing massage sessions, an annual awards ceremony, a paid day off in every six-month period to volunteer their time for a charity or not-for-profit organisation, team events and away days and challenges to promote exercise and fresh air!
The directors are also currently working towards having all staff attend a Mental Health First Aid at work course and work towards an Awareness of Mental Health Problems certificate.
“As an employer we want our team happy and healthy and that means providing them with a workplace culture that shows how much we respect and appreciate them,” adds Rhea. “Looking after their mental health is very much a part of that.
“We are soon to return to the office following the lifting of restrictions and all of our team have access to Clinical hypnotherapist and coach Jo Cook so that if they have any anxiety or issues following the last year and a half and wish to talk to someone about it they have the option available.”
