Reflections on Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: Empower Half Hour

In this blog, Marbral Advisory’s Change and Learning Architect, Irene Gaydon reflects on Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 as a Mental Health First Aider.

I completed my first Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) course through MHFA England in January 2020 as a last-minute substitution.  While I thoroughly enjoyed the course, I must admit I wondered if I was ever going to have the opportunity to put my new skills into practice.  However, shortly thereafter, the Covid pandemic forced us all into lockdown and with the challenges my colleagues, friends and family were facing a few people reached out to me. I felt really lucky to be able to both support them and signpost helpful resources. 

At Marbral Advisory, we have three MHFAs, and it’s our task to take every opportunity to talk about mental health.  We were really pleased when our Senior Management Team agreed to support and take part in 2024’s Mental Health Awareness Week’s Empower Half Hour.  Each weekday had a unique focus, encouraging us to spend thirty minutes on an activity that can have a positive impact on our mental health.   

Monday’s Theme Was ‘Move’ 

Starting the week with movement set a positive tone, as physical activity is known to have significant benefits on our mental health.  Our team were encouraged to spend half an hour moving their bodies in a way that is fun, accessible and invigorating for them. This could be a brisk walk, a yoga session, playing with their kids in the park or even a dance break, as movement can help reduce stress and boost our mood. We also shared some photos of our Jersey colleagues taking part in the Mencap South Coast Challenge in Jersey.   

Tuesday’s Theme Was ‘Discover’ 

Chris Cashell, our Principal Change Architect in Ireland, had recently completed a Diploma in Irish Archaeology from the University of Galway.  Chris shared his love of history and a photograph of his Archaeology group at Lough Gur. Chris went on to talk about the mental health benefits he experiences from pursuing his interests and discovering something new (or as he is an archaeologist, something old).  Chris shared his next learning journey and encouraged us to discover more about a subject that holds our interest. This could include learning a new skill, trying out a new activity, enrolling for a class, continuing your studies, diving into a book or spending time in nature.  

Wednesday’s Theme Was ‘Bond’ 

Natasha Egré, our Head of Client and Business Development, shared a blog she had written on creating a psychologically safe workplace and Laura Spears our Head of People and Operations, shared the benefits she gains from volunteering and sharing experiences with colleagues. Volunteering can be extremely rewarding and has significant positive benefits our physical and emotional health. Psychological safety allows us to build the social bonds that are so essential to our wellbeing. Fostering open and trusting human relationships, and connecting with people you like, know and trust (be that friends, family, or colleagues) is known to reduce stress and positively impact our mental health. Our team were encouraged to reach out to a colleague they may have not spoken to for a while.

Thursday’s Theme Was ‘Motivate’ 

Leonie McCrann, our CEO, shared her favourite TED talk, and why she finds it particularly motivating. Motivation can sometimes be elusive, but encouraging our team to dedicate half an hour to learn something new is a great way to reignite our passion and drive. Personally, I found this day particularly inspiring, as it encouraged me to take a step back, consider my current actions, review and revisit my long-term goals, and take actionable steps towards achieving them. 

Friday’s Theme Was ‘Connect’

Stuart Ingledew, our Principal Change Architect in the Isle of Man, and Dawn Rutherford, our Principal Change Architect in Jersey, shared their love of connecting with nature and the benefits they enjoy from these connections. Dawn shared some beautiful photographs of the scenery she enjoys during her walks, and the benefits she experiences connecting with nature while doing so. Stuart shared the details of a recent trip to Costa Rica and some of the empowering, enlightening and enjoyable experiences he had there. Connection can also mean reaching out to a colleague or friend, taking part in a group activity, or simply engaging more deeply with those around us. Connecting with likeminded people can leave us feeling motivated, uplifted and valued.

For me and my fellow MHFAs, one of the highlights of the week was the participation of our Senior Management Team. Their willingness to share their personal experiences was both courageous and inspiring. It was interesting to learn more about them and some of what they do to keep themselves mentally healthy. Their involvement helps break down potential barriers and stigmas and demonstrates our commitment to positive mental health at Marbral Advisory.

For anyone interested in becoming a MHFA, I would strongly encourage you to do so. The training is really interesting and thorough. I attended a refresher training session in 2023 to keep my skills up to date, and I am proud to have ‘Mental Health First Aider’ in my signature.