Advocacy Focus has been once again recognised by Mind in their annual Workplace Wellbeing Index. The Accrington based charity has ranked second place overall for their wellbeing initiatives out of 114 national organisations.

The Workplace Wellbeing Index by the mental health charity, Mind, is a benchmark of best policy and practice for supporting mental health at work. As part of the index, employees have to complete Mind’s anonymous wellbeing survey to assess culture, initiatives, and overall attitudes to mental health.

Advocacy Focus supports people across the North-West with health and social care challenges, mental ill health, complex care and support needs and more. They also offer workplace mental health training and have worked with the likes of Citizen’s Advice and Footasylum.

As a result of the staff survey, it was revealed that 100% of staff at Advocacy Focus feel they have a good awareness and knowledge of mental health, 100% of employees are aware of the support procedures in place and 75% of staff feel confident in disclosing their mental health struggles at work. They have also trained over 90% of their staff in Mental Health Frist Aid.

Justine Hodgkinson, CEO,  of Advocacy Focus says:

“It’s been a tough year for our team, having to completely change the way they work, not being able to physically be there for the people they support, having to learn new technologies and juggle home, family and work life, so it was vital that we had robust support procedures in place.

“We are delighted to see that our team are happy with our approach and are confident in our ability to support them. When our team feels supported, they are in a much better position to support the people in our communities. We are extremely pleased to be recognised by Mind and to come second overall out of 114 organisations is a real testament to the work we have put in behind the scenes.

“But our work is never done. Now, as we face the easing of restrictions, resume face to face meetings and bring people back to the office, we know we’re going to have to ensure we tailor these policies and procedures for a new working world.

“I am so proud to be in a workplace that challenges mental health stigma and work alongside a team that feel comfortable and confident to normalise the conversation about mental health. Over the next 12 months we want to give other workplaces across the North West the opportunity to achieve gold standard, workplace wellbeing. Which is where our mental health training comes in and how this will give every organisation that works with us, the opportunity to support their team to turn up to work as the best versions of themselves.”

§To find out more about the Mind Wellbeing Index, click here.

§To view Advocacy Focus workplace mental health training courses, click here.