In the run-up to Christmas, a team of Highways England volunteer Mental Health First Aiders swapped their desks for paintbrushes to spruce up a local community resource.
The Highways England staff, who work in a variety of roles in Guildford, wanted to help a local organisation that supports people with mental health issues.
They approached nearby mental health charity Oakleaf Enterprise, which is located nearby to their workplace, with an offer of help.
Tom Briggs from Highways England said: ‘We wanted to do something practical and had originally thought about offering to do some gardening – recognising the positive link between physical exercise and well-being. But we found that the art room at Oakleaf was a tad uninspiring and clearly in need of a re-vamp.
‘It has been a real learning curve for those of us with no DIY skills and a great opportunity for us to build links with Oakleaf, a hidden gem whose staff and volunteers do such a fantastic job. We hope to continue to support them.’
The volunteers gained the support of the local B&Q at Ladymead Retail Centre who donated some paint and brushes.
Mr Briggs added: ‘Many of the individuals Oakleaf support don’t have loved ones to celebrate with at this time of year and the charity needs donations to give as presents to their clients at their Christmas party. So we also collected donations from our colleagues for Oakleaf to give to their clients at their Christmas party.
‘Our volunteering is mutually beneficial as we are able to raise the profile of volunteer Mental Health First Aiders both within our organisation and the wider community. In the same way first aiders are called to help people with physical injuries we are here to offer initial support and guidance to those going through a difficult time or may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, especially at times like Christmas when there is social pressure to be seen as having a good time.’
Eli Beckett at Oakleaf Enterprise said: ‘We are thrilled to have the support of Highways England. Bringing our charity and businesses together is a fantastic way of connecting corporate organisations with the local community whilst raising awareness of mental health and reducing the stigma that is connected to this invisible illness.
‘We strive to work with businesses who take a genuine interest in the mental well-being of their staff - Highways England are a fantastic example of a company doing just that, with a wonderful, proactive team of MHFA-trained employees based in the Guildford office.’
