Mental Health – The Conversation Never Stops

In May this year, I shared my experience completing the Mental Health First Aider Course, why it mattered to me and the impact I hoped to make as a result of the training.  

Mental Health First Aider training prompts one to look at everything said, unsaid and the silences in between. What I may have let slip before, I have the tools to challenge now. Sometimes a conversation is the difference between bottling up and letting go. In the time since completing my training, I've had conversations with colleagues and customers on a range of topics. Providing confidential peer-to-peer support has meant that I’ve become a trusted confidant who can signpost in times of trouble, and that’s exactly what this is designed to do. 

Mental Health in Manufacturing  

According to a well-being and work in UK manufacturing report by Make UK, in 2024, nearly 40% of manufacturers identified worsening mental ill health as the main cause of long-term sickness absences reported. 

Although we’ve come a long way in understanding and de-stigmatising mental health, we still have a long way to go in the manufacturing sector. As a heavily male-dominated industry, conversations focus on work long before they ever focus on well-being.  

A study from BACP found that ‘men are more likely to think there’s a stigma attached to therapy compared to women – but have an equally positive experience of therapy when they try it out.’ The first step of accessing therapy could easily be a conversation held in the company of someone you trust, and that’s why Mental Health First Aider training in our industry is so important, but it’s the first of many steps. This we have to understand, and work with.  

Mental Health at Ecoglass  

Mental health is an ongoing challenge, and playing a part, however small, in supporting our people and customers is a badge I wear with pride. It's the start and a small part of the change our industry needs. But it’s an important one I will always champion and support.  

If you or someone you know is struggling, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.