Session 1: Understanding Mental Health & Creating Safe Foundations (Session 1 of 2)

This two-part foundational programme gives managers and leaders the essential knowledge, awareness, and confidence to support mental health in the workplace.

Combining evidence-based insight with practical application, the sessions explore what mental health really means, how to spot the signs when someone may be struggling, and how to start supportive conversations that make a genuine difference.

Participants will also learn about psychological safety, stigma, and the importance of role-modelling healthy boundaries and self-care.

The programme introduces managers to key workplace wellbeing frameworks, including the HSE Management Standards for work-related stress and the principles of ISO 45003, helping participants understand how psychologically healthy workplaces can be created proactively rather than reactively.

The Essentials programme creates a common language and shared responsibility for workplace wellbeing, equipping managers to lead with empathy while maintaining professionalism and performance.

By the end of Session 1, participants will be able to:

• Explain what mental health means in a workplace context, using the continuum model.
• Recognise early signs that a colleague may be experiencing poor mental health.
• Describe how stigma and language influence help-seeking and team culture.
• Outline the manager’s role, responsibilities, and limits when supporting mental health.
• Identify behaviours that contribute to psychological safety within a team.
• Commit to one or two self-care or boundary-setting practices to sustain healthy leadership.

We are delighted to welcome, Jay Unwin to deliver both sessions.

Jay is the Training & Development Director of Mental Health in business and has over 15 years of experience spanning education, fitness, and psychology. Jay holds an MSc in Psychology and BSc (Hons) in Biology and is a Graduate member of the British Psychological Society, Associate member of the International Stress Management Association and Associate member of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. Jay is also a former science teacher, functional fitness coach, and gym owner and has lived experience of burnout, cancer, depression, and fibromyalgia.

Jay’s mission is to drive cultural change and equip individuals and organisations with the tools to thrive in work and life.