Ahead of World Mental Health Day on Friday 10th October, Essex housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is highlighting the steps it is taking to support staff wellbeing across the business.
This year’s campaign theme, ‘Community: Supporting Mental Well-being Together’, focuses on the importance of creating inclusive environments where people feel connected and supported. For Barratt and David Wilson Homes, this has become a priority not only within the communities it builds, but also among its own workforce.
One colleague who has seen the benefits of this approach is Senior Sales Administrator Susie Watts (51), who has worked for the company since 2007 and is based at the developer’s divisional head office in Chelmsford. Susie qualified as a Mental Health First Aider in 2021 and has been supporting colleagues ever since.
Susie (pic) said: “Any mental health initiative is only as good as the managers supporting it. Since I started at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, I’ve seen a major shift in the attitude towards the importance of mental health.
“The pandemic, while challenging, also helped re-set attitudes towards the work-life balance. Here, there’s a genuine commitment to ensuring people feel supported, whether that’s through our networks, training, or simply by encouraging conversations.”
The developer offers a wide range of support, including employee networks covering gender equality, LGBTQ+, parents and carers, disability, race and women on site. It runs regular ‘tea and chat’ sessions to give colleagues a chance to talk openly in a safe space.
This is supported by a growing team of trained Mental Health First Aiders, a confidential counselling service through the Help@hand programme, and links to external organisations such as SIX Mental Health Addiction, Andy’s Man Club and Lighthouse Charity. For Susie, maintaining her own mental wellbeing comes from consistency and balance.
She added: “I make sure to do something active most days – usually in the morning – as being outside and moving helps me start my day positively.
“A good diet and exercise are key but so is keeping to positive routines. It’s easy to fall back on the negative habits, but focusing on healthier options really does make a difference.”
Looking at the construction industry more widely, Susie feels attitudes towards mental health are gradually changing. She added: “Even since I qualified as a Mental Health First Aider, I’ve seen more site-based staff step forward to take the training and be open to difficult conversations.
“There’s still a long way to go across the industry, but it’s clear that things are changing. More people are realising that asking for help is not a weakness – and often someone else is feeling the same way.”
For details about careers at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, visit the website at Barratt Redrow Careers. To find out more about the housebuilder and its local developments, visit the websites at Barratt Homes in Essex and David Wilson Homes in Essex.
