As part of our wellbeing support, WEBS have completed a series of Big Brew mental wellbeing sessions with apprentices ahead of Christmas – giving apprentices information on where they can get support, and also giving them chance to have a cuppa and a chat.
The sessions covered different things around Christmas that may affect their mental wellness, such as grief or financial worries, and shared charities and places where support could be found.
“We saw the Big Brew a few months ago and wanted to do a session, but we thought before Christmas would be a key time for it to take place. Christmas is a happy time for a lot of people – but it can also trigger a lot of negative emotions and bring stress and sadness.”, says Samarah Dawson, who helped to plan and deliver the sessions.
In November, The Lost City campaign was launched – a campaign by Band of Builders supported by On The Tools – to prevent suicide in the construction and trades industries after the shocking data of how 7000 lives have been lost to suicide over the last 10 years – enough construction and tradespeople to build a city the size of Cardiff. At the On The Tools awards, which WEBS were a part of, stories of the mental health crisis were also shared.
“After seeing the campaign and hearing some of the stories, it was just so sad. It motivated me to try and reach as many apprentices with these sessions as possible”.
From one session for apprentices on their induction, this increased to three sessions across several groups along with information being emailed out to other apprentices not in the centre. The sessions also included small takeaway booklets – small enough to fit in a phone case or wallet for discretion, with QR codes for the key websites offering support.
“It is so important we complete these sessions. They may not need it now, and hopefully will never need it - but in case they ever do, they should now have a bank of places they can recall to find support, and know that they are not alone”
“It might not even be for the apprentices themselves but could also help them be able to support those around them. Anyone this information reaches would be a positive outcome.”
The cuppa and a chat element was also a success, helping to build relationships within apprenticeship cohorts – and even across groups.
“To see the apprentices talking to each other is also a positive outcome – one of the key ways to tackle the mental health crisis is to talk – build support networks, and look out for one another. Building positive relationships is the foundation to allow people to feel comfortable opening up when they may be struggling”
Following the success of the sessions, they will now be adapted into the induction sessions delivered.
If you are not feeling your best, you are not alone –
Text Bob or Comfort or Shout to 85258 for instant support
If you are an apprentice and you need support please speak to our mental health first aider, Sharon Hearst.
If you would like to learn more about the work Band of Builders complete, and about the Big Brew – see here
Band of Builders | National Charity for Tradespeople – Band of Builders Ltd
If you would like to learn more about The Lost City campaign - see here:
