With this year’s World Mental Health Day theme being “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”, we called out across our colleagues and asked them to tell us how they support their mental health and wellbeing at work.
It is also a great opportunity to learn more about some of the team here at Bucks Mind and to put friendly faces to two colleagues who are often a first point of contact for our charity.
First up, we are pleased to introduce to you Ishia Jackson, Receptionist & Administrator for the Quality and Evaluation Team.
Can you give a brief description of your role?
I manage and respond to all incoming enquiries to Bucks Mind, as well as providing administrative support to office staff and assisting with the upkeep of the premises.
What can you find stressful or difficult with your mental health at work?
It can be challenging to focus on and prioritise tasks when there are various demands being placed on me from different areas of the organisation all at once.
What is your ‘Top Tip(s)’ for supporting your mental health at work? (how do you deal with anything stressful from above? How do you take positive steps or action to help?)
As much as I love being busy, sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down, breathe and know that even if I don’t get everything done that I was hoping to, it will still be there tomorrow and (the world will not stop spinning because of me)!
What is a fun fact about you? (anything at all: an unusual talent, your favourite food, a hobby you enjoy, favourite film/animal… anything)
In 1994 My brother and I were the first siblings in our primary school to make it onto the football team.
Thank you Ishia for being a fantastic team member, you have made such a positive impact here at Bucks Mind!
Next up, we are happy to introduce Kaya Mallinder, Fundraising & Communications Lead.
Can you give a brief description of your role?
I job share with Kari Channell and together we’re responsible for all the fundraising (excluding grants) for Bucks Mind and support all the external communications needs of the charity.
What can you find stressful or difficult with your mental health at work?
The role is very wide-ranging and that means there is always a lot of work, which can be stressful.
What is your ‘Top Tip(s)’ for supporting your mental health at work? (how do you deal with anything stressful from above? How do you take positive steps or action to help?)
I remind myself to be realistic about what is achievable in a working day.
What is a fun fact about you? (anything at all: an unusual talent, your favourite food, a hobby you enjoy, favourite film/animal… anything)
When I was 16 I was an extra in the German version of Coronation Street (Linden Strasse). They were filming in the town in Kent that I was living in and wanted a ‘female punk’ in the background of one of the scenes. I had a mohican at the time, so apparently I fit the bill!
Thank you Kaya for all you do here at Bucks Mind and the great impact you make for our local Mind!
PS: We are not sure that fun fact can be topped!