Earlier this year a survey by YouGov for the charity Mental Health UK discovered that one in five workers (20 per cent) took time off work due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress in the past year.

Burnout is becoming a significant challenge in the workforce.

This week, North Herts & Stevenage CVS, along with groups and organisations across the area, is celebrating World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is workplace mental health.

Positive mental wellbeing in the workplace is essential for both employee welfare and organisational success.

It enhances focus, motivation, and efficiency while reducing absenteeism and staff turnover, which costs UK employers up to £45 billion annually.

Simple actions like promoting work-life balance, offering flexible working, and providing mental health resources - such as Mental Health First Aiders and ‘lunch and learn’ wellbeing sessions – and ensuring that the workplace has an atmosphere where people can positively connect with each other can boost productivity, job satisfaction, and staff loyalty.

Investing in mental health fosters creativity, innovation, and a supportive workplace culture, benefitting individuals, organisations, and communities alike.

In recent years, challenges to supporting those experiencing mental health issues have significantly increased, particularly following the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living and energy crises.

At North Herts & Stevenage CVS, we’ve found that many local voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups we work with, which focus on mental health and wellbeing, have sometimes struggled to keep up with rising demand.

A 2023 report by Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) indicated that mental health referrals for NHS services in the county have risen by over 20 per cent in recent years.

While much of the stigma surrounding mental health has diminished, it persists, and encouraging more people to seek help remains vital.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with mental wellbeing, the following groups and organisations may provide the right support:

NHS Single Point of Access (SPA): Tel: 0800 6444 101 (urgent help, open 24/7)

Samaritans: Tel: 116 123 (available 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to talk to)

Mind in Mid Herts: Tel: 01923 256391, www.mindinmidherts.org.uk

Resolve North Herts: Tel: 01462 684978 / 07715 680337, www.resolve-online.org

Hertfordshire Mind Network: Tel: 02037 273600, www.hertsmindnetwork.org

Turning Point: Tel: 01438 211185, www.turning-point.co.uk

The Living Room: Tel: 0300 365 0304, www.livingroomherts.org

At North Herts & Stevenage CVS, we believe that there should be no stigma associated with experiencing a mental health condition, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you feel that you need a helping hand with your mental health, reach out. You are not alone.