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Successful trial of mental health first aiders scheme at Long Sutton and Wisbech factory sites




Food company Princes is expanding its mental health First Aider programme after a successful trial at two of its canning sites.

A team of ten mental health First Aiders are working at each of the company’s food production sites in Long Sutton and Wisbech.

The Mental Health First Aider programme is now being extended to Princes other six sites across the UK, including its head office in Liverpool, ahead of a planned international roll-out.

Princes chief people officer Joe Dent (55399697)
Princes chief people officer Joe Dent (55399697)

Chief people officer Joe Dent said: “The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is of the utmost importance to us.

“Whether colleagues are facing emotional, physical or financial challenges, we want to do what we can to spot the signs and to support and steer them to access the right help.

“We’re very proud at what we have achieved in Long Sutton and Wisbech and we’re looking forward to the programme being rolled out across Princes both in the UK and internationally. It is already making a real difference.”

HR business partner at Long Sutton and Wisbech Rachel Naylor said: “We are delighted at how well received the Mental Health First Aider Programme has been and by the number of people who have volunteered to be trained.

“Our Mental Health First Aiders are very visible in the business. They wear stickers on their hats, badges or lanyards so they’re instantly recognisable and their details and photographs are on our colleague noticeboards.

“During the pandemic they wore face masks with ‘I’m here to help’ written on them.

“They have great empathy and when they ask people how they are, they are always ready to listen.

“We have created calm environments where colleagues can relax, talk and discuss their problems.”

Patrick Hickey (58), a multi-skilled operator at the Long Sutton site, trained as a Mental Health First Aider 18 months ago.

He said: “I’ve helped about 50 people with a range of issues, from a cancer diagnosis to a bereavement, concern about being able to pay a bill or get out of debt or a work concern.

“I’ve heard some tough stories but I’m pleased that people feel happy to open up and talk to me. You become like their family, part of their support network.

“Colleagues pick their time to talk to you. It can be outside of work, over a coffee in the canteen and I’ve taken urgent requests for guidance in the middle of the night.

“Mental Health First Aiders are not doctors and we can’t give medical help but we can steer people in the right direction.

“I find the role very rewarding. At times of difficulty, lots of people in life just need a little support and they don’t know where to access it. Our role gives us the opportunity to help.

“I’m proud of what we have achieved.”



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