Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental illness each year.

Winn Group is taking further steps to better support its employees by registering to become a Mindful Employer.

The Mindful Employer scheme helps those with mental health issues to speak out in the workplace, banishing the pervading stigma that still exists around mental health. For our part, Winns pledges to create a positive and enabling atmosphere for our employees at all levels to work and thrive in.

In order to do this, we will ensure that every one of our employees knows that there will be no discrimination against those who disclose a mental health condition; and, if required, additional support, including adjustments, will be considered.

Providing Mental Health Support

As part of our commitment to being a Mindful Employer, we will continue to ensure that all staff involved in the recruitment process are fully aware of mental health issues and the Equality Act 2010. What's more, our line managers will be provided with further training to allow for better support, and to help them not make assumptions about how mental health can affect a person and their job performance.

In a further step on the road to being a Mindful Employer, we have recently appointed three mental health first aiders across the Winn Group. Claire Devlin, Meisha Wallace and Paul Hewitson have each attended a two-day training course, which is internationally recognised, and are now qualified in Mental Health First Aid.

Our Mental Health First Aiders are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health illnesses; provide non-judgemental support and reassurance, and effectively guide a person to seek the professional support they may need.

Mindful Employer Plus

We've also signed up to Mindful Employer plus, an addition to the standard level service which provides a dedicated telephone helpline. This telephone support line is entirely confidential and will provide a constructive and listening ear, immediate guidance, and signposting to further advice for anyone who needs it. A managerial advice line is also available from 8am-8pm alongside a local employer network, should any members of the management team have concerns about their staff.

The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the entire year, and is staffed by fully qualified psychotherapists and counsellors.