Maersk Training forms partnership with VSA to battle mental health issues in the workplace

27/01/2021
L-R - Maersk Training UK head of commercial, Scott Taylor with chief executive at VSA, Kenneth Simpson

ABERDEEN-headquartered Maersk Training UK has teamed up with North-east charity VSA to help support mental wellbeing in the workplace.

After gaining feedback from clients regarding a lack of mental health first aid courses available in the city, Maersk Training took the decision to gain accreditation from one of the UK’s largest awarding bodies for two courses: ‘Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace’ and ‘Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace’.

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Both are regulated and nationally recognised courses, specifically designed to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms associated with common mental health conditions related to the workplace, and advise how best to offer support and guidance to colleagues.

It was spearheaded by Stuart Morrice, Maersk Training’s UK deputy operations manager, who has been actively involved in mental health first aid for more than 15 years within the military and the private security sector.

Stuart said: “These courses are ideal for anyone taking an active role in supporting mental health in the workplace.

“The main focus areas of the courses are to raise delegates’ awareness of the signs and symptoms associated with mental health problems related to the workplace, being able to actively listen as well as feel confident to have conversations with colleagues suffering potential mental ill-health and directing them to a reliable source of support.”

Approximately half of the course cost per delegate will be donated directly back to VSA to help towards the charity’s campaign to transform mental health care in Aberdeen.

The charity plans to open a purpose build facility in the city centre later this year to help adults on their journey to recovery.

Scott Taylor, Maersk Training UK head of commercial, said: “The pandemic has changed a lot for everyone, personally and in business, and with uncertain times still ahead in the oil and gas and energy sectors, it’s crucial that we are looking out for our peers more than ever.

“Being able to support a local cause whilst running these courses was very important to Maersk Training, VSA’s drive to promote positive mental health locally is exceptional, and I hope that the courses offer a solace for employers and employees alike.”

Kenneth Simpson, VSA chief executive, said: “This is undoubtedly one of the most challenging periods any of us have had to face, but for many people already living with a mental health condition, it is starting to have a profound effect.

“This is why our new mental wellbeing facility is needed more than ever to help support some of the most vulnerable people living in Aberdeen.

“We can’t thank Maersk Training enough for this fantastic partnership opportunity and for helping us support people from across the North-east living with a mental health condition.”

 

 

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