How Genesis Can Help Build Awareness and Improve Mental Health in Police and Fire & Rescue Services
Stress in the workplace is a major challenge in the UK, with work-related stress, anxiety, and depression costing £28.3 billion yearly and resulting in 13.7 million lost working days each year, according to NICE statistics.
This issue represents a significant public health challenge, and it affects not only individual employees but also the organisations they work for.
Although mental health is now a more openly discussed topic, it is still not taken seriously enough, and there is a need for more action to address it. This is particularly important for organisations such as the UK’s Police and Fire and Rescue Services, where stress and mental health challenges are particularly acute.
In the UK, the Police and Fire & Rescue Services are facing significant challenges related to stress and mental health. For example, the recent “Values and culture in fire and rescue services” report from HMICRS identified several issues relating to the culture, leadership, and management of Fire & Rescue Services, which contribute to stress and poor mental health.
The report highlights the need for better training and support for leaders, as well as a more positive and inclusive organisational culture that values diversity and promotes wellbeing.
Similarly, the “Review into the standards of behaviour and internal culture of the Metropolitan Police Service” led by Baroness Casey, identified concerns about the impact of stress and poor mental health on the workforce, particularly in relation to the demands of the job and the high levels of exposure to trauma and violence.
To address these challenges, it is essential to build awareness and understanding of stress and mental health issues and provide individuals with the tools they need to manage them effectively.
This is where programmes like Genesis can be particularly helpful. Genesis is an evidence-based programme developed by Eleos Partnership that is designed to build awareness and understanding of stress and mental health issues, and to provide practical strategies for managing them effectively. The programme is delivered in teams and focuses on fostering improved team dynamics, building trust, and normalising conversations about mental health.
The Genesis programme provides individuals and teams with a safe and supportive environment in which to explore their thoughts and feelings around stress and mental health, and to develop practical strategies for managing them effectively.
This can be particularly helpful for organisations like the Police and Fire & Rescue Services, where there may be high levels of stigma associated with mental health issues. By providing a safe and supportive environment in which to discuss these issues openly and honestly, the Genesis programme can help to normalise conversations about mental health and reduce the stigma associated with it.
In addition to building awareness and understanding of stress and mental health issues, the Genesis programme also provides individuals with practical tools and strategies for managing stress effectively. This can be particularly helpful for organisations where stress levels are high, such as the Police and Fire & Rescue Services. By providing individuals with the tools they need to manage stress effectively, the Genesis programme can help to reduce absenteeism and presenteeism caused by poor mental health, which has a significant impact on organisational productivity and performance.
In conclusion, stress in the workplace represents a major public health challenge in the UK, and it is particularly acute in organisations like the Police and Fire & Rescue Services. To address this challenge, it is essential to build awareness and understanding of stress and mental health issues and provide individuals with the tools they need to manage them effectively.
Programmes like Genesis can be particularly helpful in this regard, as they provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment in which to explore their thoughts and feelings around stress and mental health, and to develop practical strategies for managing them effectively.
By building awareness, reducing stigma, and providing practical tools and strategies, programmes like Genesis can help to improve organisational productivity and performance and promote better mental health and wellbeing for all.
If you are an employer, leader, or manager in an organisation that is struggling with workplace stress and mental health challenges, it’s time to take action.
The Eleos Partnership’s Genesis programme is a proven solution that can help you to build awareness and understanding of stress and mental health issues and provide your employees with the tools and strategies they need to manage them effectively.
So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce, get in touch with the team today. Our expert team will work with you to develop a customised programme that meets the unique needs of your organisation, and provides you with the support and guidance you need to create a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of your employees and the success of your organisation.
Written by Paul Sykes, Partnerships Director
