Veolia, the leading environmental solutions provider, has been shortlisted in the Excellence in the Workplace category in the Chambers Ireland CSR Awards 2019 for our Mental Health First Aiders programme, which supports the mental health of employees.
Mental health is something we all have. As with physical health, we need to allow time for keeping ourselves fit and seek appropriate help as early as possible so we can get better. Mental health doesn’t always stay the same. It can fluctuate as circumstances change and as people move through different stages of life. Approximately 1 in 7 people experience mental health problems in the workplace and 1 in 10 may suffer poor mental health in silence.
In recognition of this, Veolia has trained 150 employees across the UK and Ireland as Mental Health First Aiders. These volunteers are trained to spot the early signs and symptoms of mental health issues and to listen to or to have a supportive conversation with a colleague who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress without fear of judgement. They encourage the person to access appropriate professional support or self-help strategies.
Donna Marie Masterson, Head of HR for Ireland said “I am delighted that our Mental Health First Aiders programme as been shortlisted by Chambers Ireland. For Veolia, this is a very important and hugely valued support that we provide to our employees. Our seven Mental Health First Aiders in Ireland are spread right across the business so that everyone has quick and easy access to them”.
The Chambers Ireland Corporate Social Responsibility Awards were established in 2004 to recognise the work being carried out by Irish and multinational companies to improve the lives of their employees and to enhance the civic environment in which they operate.
This is a unique competition that offers the business community a chance to promote their efforts in CSR and gain recognition for best practice. The awards are presented in a variety of categories covering all areas of CSR.
The 2019 CSR Awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Thursday 19 September 2019.