45 www.printmonthly.co.uk July / August 2023 - Issue 343 in May, well-known industry member and Online Print Coach Colin Sinclair McDermott took to LinkedIn to share his own experience of mental ill-health. Sinclair McDermott shared that he had felt worried about sharing the post in case anyone thought any less of him in his coaching ability, however, the opposite happened. The post was met with several comments from other industry members sharing their own experiences of mental illhealth with many saying they in fact admire Sinclair McDermott for opening up. One comment read: “This post has the potential to positively change a life. Thanks for sharing”, whilst another read: “Good for you for sharing. So many people think they’re alone in their tough time and that is simply not the case”. This just goes to show the impact sharing your own experiences can have on others, especially in a work environment where mental health and personal struggles are rarely addressed or discussed. Industry Support is Available The Printing Charity provides a range of practical, emotional, and financial support including a free, confidential employee helpline for businesses in the print, packaging, paper, publishing, and graphics sector as well as their families. This emotional support is available 24/7, 365 days a year and is delivered by BACP-accredited counsellors. Practical support is available from information and advice specialists Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm. To find out more about how to establish the helpline in your own business, you can email helpline@theprintingcharity.org.uk, or call the charity on 01293 542 820 with lots of information also available on the printing charity website: www.theprintingcharity.org.uk. “We know it can be really hard at times to talk about issues, but it does help to share what’s on your mind with someone who is there to listen,” says Neil Lovell, chief executive and secretary of The Printing Charity. “That’s where our helpline, and other similar resources, come into their own. “Taking that first step to make a call or look online at how you can get help, is such a positive move. Our counsellors provide a completely confidential and non-judgemental opportunity to talk through problems and emotions. I would encourage anyone struggling to give a little time back for themselves and make that call. It will help them to realise they are not alone.” Staff wellbeing is something Lovell has seen jump to the top of the agenda for many businesses, including in the print industry. He says an increasing number of businesses are talking about how a clear, consistent, and effective wellbeing strategy continues to develop support networks and resilience within their teams. “The more we hear from organisations about what they are doing to support employee mental wellbeing, and the positive impact that has, the less taboo the subject will become,” adds Lovell. “When people share the reasons why they’re committed to employee wellbeing, and the difference that commitment makes, others realise that they are not alone – and it’s the domino effect, really. “As a charity, we’re here to help keep the subject at the top of mind, and to help those companies looking to understand how they can do more. I think we can also do more collectively as a sector, sharing best practice and focussing on the issues that matter to people working within it.” Everyone Can Play Their Part The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) has sought to address the topic of mental wellbeing in recent months with its last annual conference ‘Print in Balance’ hosting speakers who discussed the importance of prioritising wellbeing within the workplace. These speakers also spoke openly about their own mental health challenges and the coping mechanisms and solutions they used to regain their own wellbeing. The Association has also hosted several speakers at its IPIA Big Breakfast networking mornings that have addressed similar topics within the workplace. The IPIA itself belongs to The Printing Charity Helpline scheme and industry members can use it to speak about a range of subjects from wellbeing personal finance and changes at work, to family and personal issues, legal counselling, relationship advice, bereavement, and dealing with debt or alcohol and drug issues. Brendan Perring, general manager of IPIA, comments: “I think it is really about every organisation playing their part, and hosting activities such as these that bring the discussion into the open. “By doing so repeatedly, we can hopefully be part of a cultural shift that makes the discussion of mental health commonplace, and see it become the norm for organisations to put in place support mechanisms such as The Printing Charity Helpline to support their teams.” Additional Resources Here is a list of additional resources available to support with mental and emotional wellbeing: Samaritans – call 116 123 (24hr free) or email jo@samaritans.org.uk Shout Crisis Text Line – for support in a crisis Text Shout to 85258 Anxiety UK – call 03444 775 774 (9.30am to 5.30pm Mon to Fri) Mind – call 0300 123 3393 (9.00am to 6.00pm Mon to Fri) or email info@mind.org.uk Campaign Against Living Miserably – call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight 365 days a year) Talk to your GP – your GP can help to diagnose mental illnesses or prescribe therapies or medication if needed FOCUS ON / MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
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