Heart of Frontline Practice is working in alliance with PSYCHED, a Healthy Cities and Counties programme to support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
We facilitated four 2-hour, free, virtual spaces for workers in the private and community/voluntary sectors under the title, ‘Reflect and Engage’ in 2021.
These safe, confidential, nurturing sessions were for up to ten people and offered participants time to reflect on how they are coping at work during the global pandemic.
PSYCHED stands for ‘Positive Support You Can Have Every Day’.
Dr Nicola O’ Sullivan said: “It was an honour for HOFP to be invited to support the great work PSYCHED is doing in raising awareness and finding active ways of promoting better mental health at work.
“Our vision is to create safe spaces and opportunities where we can reflect and make sense of how work is for us the current Covid19 pandemic; to take stock and reflect on the on-going impact of this pandemic, explore workplace resilience and think about how we can support ourselves and care for our mental health and well-being at work.”
Aoife Ní Chonchúir, coordinator of PSYCHED, said: “We are delighted to partner with the HOFP to bring this training opportunity to the workplaces that we support through PSYCHED. The combined expertise of Dr Nicola O’ Sullivan, Ag Eisteacht and SHEP has been very well-received and feedback has been immensely positive from participants who are adapting to new work practices and limited supports during this pandemic.”
PSYCHED is an initiative of Healthy Cities and Counties, supported by the Health Service Executive, University College Cork, Cork City Council, Cork County Council and community workplace partners.
Its aim is to stimulate conversations that lead to a better understanding of mental health and encourage employers to engage with staff to promote and foster mental health, celebrate commitment, good practice and innovation in workplace mental health promotion.
The PSYCHED website has some great practical resources and tips for employers and employees to consider for healthier workplace environments.