Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

This Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18th May 2025), New Directions Group is proud to stand in support of the national theme: “Community” — something that lies at the very heart of who we are and everything we do.

Community Is at the Core of Our Culture

At New Directions, community isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we live every day. Whether you’re a staff member, service user, carer, or partner, you are part of a network that values connection, compassion, and collaboration.

We know that mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When people feel seen, heard, and supported, their ability to cope, recover, and thrive improves drastically. That’s why we’ve worked hard to build a workplace and service culture that nurtures a genuine sense of belonging.

From team get-togethers to local wellbeing events, peer support networks to open-door policies, we believe in the strength of togetherness.

A Supportive Workplace with Real Benefits

We’re also incredibly proud to be an organisation that invests in the wellbeing of its people. New Directions Group is more than just a workplace — it’s a place where individuals are empowered to grow, supported in times of challenge, and recognised for their unique contributions.

Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Access to Mental Health First Aiders across the organisation – trained colleagues who are there to support, listen, and guide individuals through difficult times.
  
• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) – confidential advice and counselling services for both personal and professional concerns through Health Shield.
  
• Flexible working options, so staff can take the time they need to care for themselves.
  
• A strong internal community through newsletters, shout-outs, staff recognition schemes, and informal meetups that bring people together across departments.
  

These aren’t just “perks” — they’re part of a broader philosophy that says: when we take care of our people, our people can take care of others.

Mental Health First Aiders: Support When It’s Needed Most

Sometimes, simply having someone to talk to can make all the difference. That’s why we’re proud to have a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders across New Directions.

These staff members are trained to:

• Recognise the early signs of mental ill health
  
• Offer non-judgemental support and reassurance
  
• Provide guidance on accessing professional help or urgent support
  
• Support positive conversations around mental wellbeing at work
  

Whether it’s during a difficult shift, following a bereavement, or in moments of stress or anxiety, our Mental Health First Aiders are a trusted, confidential source of support for everyone in our organisation.

This Week and Beyond

During Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ll be:

• Shining a light on our internal initiatives that support mental wellbeing
  
• Promoting activities that encourage connection and self-care
  
• Encouraging everyone – staff and service users alike – to reflect on how we can be there for one another

Because at the end of the day, mental health is not an individual journey — it’s a shared experience. When we come together with empathy and understanding, we build a culture where it’s okay to ask for help, where people feel safe to speak up, and where no one has to struggle in silence.

At New Directions Group, we are proud of our people, our purpose, and our strong community. Whether you’ve been with us for ten years or ten days, you are part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that genuinely cares.