Verco supports Mental health awareness week 2024

Mental health effects how we think, feel and act. Having good mental health helps us to manage stress, have good relationships, work productively and enjoy life, so it’s important for all of us to make time for our mental health as well as looking after one another. That’s why Verco is supporting mental health awareness week 2024.

Mental health awareness week runs from 13th-19th May 2024. It’s an initiative run by the Mental Health Foundation and supported by Mind.

The theme for 2024 is Movement: Moving more for our mental health

Because moving more can increase energy, reduce stress and anxiety and boost self-esteem, the emphasis for this year is on helping people find moments for movement in their daily routines.

How we are supporting mental health awareness week 2024

Verco’s CSR team are getting behind the week, focussing on positive things we can do to support our mental health, with one activity each day at lunchtime:

  • Monday: Yoga can help you to sleep more soundly, lower your heart rate, increase strength and flexibility, reduce anxiety and improve overall wellbeing. We will be taking time out on Monday when Jo from Stretch Yoga will be joining us (virtually) for a 30 minute class on exercises you can do at your desk, or in the office, without a mat.
  • Tuesday: We’ll be focusing on moments of calm, thinking about mindfulness activities such as journaling and colouring. This is also a good opportunity for us to complete or reflect on our wellness action plans.
  • Wednesday: We will be getting out for some fresh air on a lunchtime walk or run. There will be a prize for the best Strava (or similar) picture created during the week and we'll be encouraging one another to take part in the Strava around the world challenge which is being organised by the Mental Health Foundation.
  • Thursday: We will be sharing ideas for books, podcasts and apps which support good mental health. The CSR team will also set up a book swap space in each office.
  • Friday: We will be connecting with colleagues who we don’t normally work with over a coffee, either in-person or virtually. Our coffee roulette is great for this purpose!

We take mental health seriously all year round:

We recognise that mental health is important all year round and support the health of colleagues in a number of ways including:

Wellness action plans: Our team can complete voluntary wellness action plans which help employees and their line managers to support and manage their mental health at work.

Employee Assistance programme: Our Health Assured EAP, as well as our employee medical cover with BUPA mean that our team have access to resources and counselling if needed.

Mental Health First Aid: Our colleagues have access to mental health first aiders, and we’ll be training more team members this year.

Flexible working: We understand that ‘one size does not fit all’ and being able to work flexibly allows people to meet needs and commitments outside of work. Many of our staff have also taken sabbaticals, allowing them to take those once in a lifetime opportunities without sacrificing their position at Verco.

Verco community: Verco funds social and team activities as well as supporting our monthly ‘coffee roulette’ which is an opportunity to have a coffee and a chat with a (randomly selected!) colleague from across the business. When in the office, a lunchtime walk and sociable eating are encouraged so that we can take a break from the screens and get to know one another on a personal level.