ROLLS-ROYCE HOLDINGS PLC World Mental Health Day - Meet our Global Mental Health Champions
It's important that everyone feels safe at work to ask for help when they need it and knows where to go to get that help.
This World Mental Health Day, we've asked our large network of Mental Health Champions at Rolls-Royce to tell us why they became a Mental Health Champion, what they do, and how they help support our colleagues across the globe.
Their words speak for themselves. So, we'd like to say thank you to all ourMental Health Champions for giving their time to help others stay mentally well and fit, every day.
"To help break down the barrier and stigma around mental health. My journey to great mental health has been a long and tough one and I hope that by sharing my experiences, and the great resources available, it will encourage others to talk and build bonds with colleagues and friends." Faye Petrie, Programme Manager
"I'm passionate about people achieving their potential and volunteering as a Global Mental Health Champion helps me to bring out the best in others using our collective experiences, resources and additional support the company has put in place." Nicola Cutts, Project Manager
"Having suffered with poor mental health in the past, I wanted to help and support others with tips on how to improve their wellbeing. I am also a Samaratian for my local area so felt I could bring my experience to this role" Vikki Martin, Commercial Manager
"To help myself and to understand what Mental Health is all about. As a veteran we never spoke about our feelings as back in the day you were seen to be weak. On a personal note I got involved after my younger brother was diagnosed with PTSD only within the last 5 years & seeing him going though all the pain and anger and not being able to help him to open up. Now I know what to look out for and never be afraid to ask are you ok." James Spence, Compressor Components
"I value the importance of supporting others with mental health challenges, as well as creating awareness of mental health. I studied Counselling and Psychotherapy at university and thought it was a great way to use my education to positively impact others." Emma Smith - Indirect IT Supply Chain Planner
"Firstly the activity did not have m(any) volunteers in the region. People found it tough to speak up on mental health as they felt they would be judged. I was one of them too. I attended one of the sessions and said to myself, it's better to lead, and gain access to some wonderful material that we already have." Gurusathya Rajasekar, Director RRPS Pune
"I found that I was already talking to people about their wellbeing and mental health based on knowledge and experience I had gained over time; so it seemed that becoming a mental health champion, and formally offering to support and gaining access to mental health champion resources, was a sensible thing to do" Steve Firth, Derby, Head of Civil Aerospace Financial Reporting
"As a Duty Manager in the Services Control Centre in Derby, we operate a shift pattern which protects the Civil flying fleet 24 hours a day 365 days a year. It is key to me that I'm aware of the team's mental health." Richard Tovell, Services Control Centre - Duty Manager
"I love talking to people so a lot of what I do is just checking in with people to see if they're ok. I'm visible within my area as a mental health champion and pass on useful tips and signpost people to resources available. I also get involved with team meetings where I promote discussions and activities." Karan Griffinwood, SSCR Business Lead
"Making time for others and being patient. Mental health is a part of all of us and it is important that we all feel safe and comfortable within our workplace. Ask a colleague 'how are you today?' - this small gesture can make someone's day!" Ryan J Smith, Mechanical Design Engineer
Signposting to tools & resources that are available, often people don't know or find out about these resources until they are at crisis point. Knowledge is power & early intervention is best for everyone! Lyndsey Harrison, SME MES
Observing & acting as a signpost. We are not trained to be medical or psychological consultants, but we are certainly trained at spotting warning signs and getting people to talk to the right specialists. I've only needed to do this a few times in several years, but it's been well worth It every time. Duncan Saunders, Chief of Commodity Design Engineering
"It's about being in tune with your colleagues around you and asking if they are okay if they seem not to be their usual self." George Holmes, Business Modelling & Pricing Officer
"For me it can mean that someone approaches me for a chat, where we take a time out off the shop floor to let the person vent. I will also approach people who I am concerned about, or if someone else has a concern. The bottom line is I will always listen and I treat what I hear confidentially." Liz Robinson, Wax/Patch/Assembler
"To listen and never judge a person you never know until you've walked in their shoes. Having an employee say to you 'thank you' for just listening is significant." James Spence, Compressor Components
"Issues, not only in mental health but in all areas, can be relative to the individual. An issue may not seem a 'big deal' to yourself but can be very important or challenging to your teammate. It is important to show empathy where we can and ensure that everyone can be heard!" Ryan J Smith
"It isn't as clear cut as some people think it is. It can show up in much more subtle ways, and this makes it all the more important that we spread awareness of what mental health issues can look like, so that people can learn to spot the signs and get help or offer help as early as possible." Deanna Yip, Commercial Officer, Customers - Asia Pacific
"Being a MH champion was really hard in the beginning. It sucked all my energy just being a sounding board to a colleague. You can feel the sad energy being released. But in the end it was gratifying knowing the colleague is much more better after the talk." Rodolfo Flores (Don), QHSE
It's ok not to be ok - you don't always have to put on a brave face. I'm lucky to have been surrounded by people that would check in on me and help me to feel better on my lowest of days ❤ Gemma Kendall, TP400 Technical Publications Programme Lead
"I've learned that even the people who you'd never think would be struggling with their mental health can and do. It can affect everyone regardless of age, background, career success, and popularity amongst peers. You don't really know what people are dealing with until they open up." Liz Robinson, Wax/Patch/Assember PCF
"I have benefitted hugely from the Mental Health support available at RR and it has truly saved me -By being willing to be open about my own journey and help signpost them on that journey, I can hopefully show others that it is ok to not be ok, there is no downside for seeking help, and things really can get better." Fay Cameron, Programme Manager
"Most valuable/significant lesson I have learned as a MH champion is that most of the time, someone just needs someone to listen to them. A nice walk, sit down conversation and most important…. a smile goes a long way." Stacy Lott, People Services Vendor Manager - North America
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Rolls-Royce Holdings plc published this content on 10 October 2023 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 10 October 2023 05:03:07 UTC.
