Minster supports Mental Health Awareness Week 2019

At Minster Law, we understand mental health is just as important as physical health, which is why we are dedicated to supporting our colleagues’ health and wellbeing.

Last week we threw our support behind Mental Health Awareness Week 2019, hosted by the Mental Health Awareness Foundation. This year’s theme was body image, which can have profound implications on our mental and physical health. As the foundation puts it “the more comfortable you are with your body, the greater your overall wellbeing”.

Minster organised a variety of activities and events to encourage our colleagues to be kinder to their bodies. Activities included wellness walks, yoga sessions and mindfulness talks from a local therapist. We also hosted tea and talk sessions, which gave colleagues a chance to come together to talk about mental health and what the business could do more of to support going forwards.

Our HR Business Partner, Laura Hoole, who was involved in organising the events, said: “Mental Health Awareness Week has been better than I could have imagined; all the activities went without a hitch and feedback so far has been entirely positive. I feel truly humbled by the number of colleagues who have shared their personal experiences with us; this is definitely the most important part. There is a historic “stigma” attached to mental health and I really feel that we broke some barriers last week. I’m so grateful to all those who participated and feel passionately about continuing to support mental health initiatives at Minster Law.”

As part of its benefits package, Minster invests in the Employee Assistance Programme – a free 24-hour counselling and information service for colleagues to access to support them through challenging times. Minster also backs Personal Truths – an online support hub which offers support and advice on a range of topics, including health and wellbeing. This is a free service open to all the public.