World Mental Health Day 2021: Mental Health in an Unequal World

This Sunday marks World Mental Health Day 2021 - a day to raise awareness of mental health issues and to help eliminate social stigma. Moreover, it also gives us an opportunity to empower people, inside and outside of the workplace, to look after their mental health.

Many of us will be aware of the major impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people’s mental health. Lockdown undoubtably contributed to this, with people being stuck inside and unable to see their friends. This coupled with the resulting economic uncertainty has negatively impacted people’s mental health and elevated concerns for those with pre-existing conditions.

As the world continues to open up, a survey by NHS Digital has suggested that the mental health of young people has not improved. Worryingly many are not getting the support they need. Figures from the World Federation of Mental Health support this, with 75% - 95% of people with mental disorders in low and middle-income countries unable to access mental health services at all. This year’s theme, “Mental Health in an Unequal World” aims to highlight that access to mental health services remains unequal.

Read more about this year’s theme here: www.wfmh.global

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What is Spencer Ogden doing?

At Spencer Ogden we are committed to creating an environment where our employee’s wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do. ‘People’ is our first core value, and we want our employees to feel comfortable talking about mental health, as well as raising any concerns that they might have.

Time To Change employer pledge

As part of our commitment to wellbeing, this time last year we signed the Time To Change employer pledge.This is a UK accreditation that recognises what we already have in place globally for the wellbeing of our people as well as our tangible action plan that shows our commitment to continue to develop and improve wellbeing in the workplace.

UNUM: workplace wellbeing

Everyone is given free access to our employee assistance programme, UNUM, an entirely confidential 24/7 support line. They also provide useful resources covering everything from physical and mental health, to financial, legal and relationship advice.

Inner wellness coaching

Earlier this year we partnered up with wellbeing expert Suhail Mirza, who has direct experience within the recruitment sector. In addition to delivering a series of inner wellness vlogs, we have secured a number of direct coaching sessions for managers at SO.

​Volunteer days

Want to give back to the community? We offer 4 days of paid volunteer leave, giving you the opportunity to give back to the things you care about.

ClassPass

Earlier this year we partnered up with ClassPass, a monthly fitness and wellness platform that allows you to book a variety of fitness classes and wellness offerings such as meditation, massage, sports therapy and acupuncture. To help you look after yourself both physically and mentally.

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Mental health support services

Whilst we try to support our employees as much as possible, we recognise that mental health and wellbeing varies for everyone. If you have a mental health issue, there are services that can provide the help and support you need.

Samaritans

Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Tel: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Website: https://www.samaritans.org/

The Mix

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.

Tel: 0808 808 4994 – lines are open every day from 11am to 11pm

Access the online community

Email them here

Website: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support

Shout

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling:

Text 'SHOUT' to 85258

Website: https://giveusashout.org/get-help/ ​