‘It’s ok not to be ok’

Colleagues at Wallasey delivery office and the CWU have launched the ‘It’s ok not to be ok’ mental health awareness campaign.

Wallasey delivery office manager, Kelly Russell, and postman, Jamie McGovern, came up with the idea following the tragic loss of their much-loved colleague, Phil Sheard, who committed suicide in July last year.

Following his death, Phil’s girlfriend told the Liverpool Echo, ‘There wasn't a funnier, cheerier, more smiley postman in the world. He made everyone laugh and the customers loved him.’

‘Gentle giant’ Phil, who was known as ‘Funny Boy’ to his friends and colleagues, had worked for Royal Mail for 17 years. His death was a huge shock to the office as he had never previously mentioned having suffered from any mental health issues.

Kelly was determined to ensure that everyone had the support needed to overcome the news and, joining forces with Jamie on behalf of the CWU, they helped create a ‘quiet space’ in the office.

Phil’s family were heavily involved in the initiative, donating furnishings for the space and stating their belief that if people could be saved from their loss, then it was something that should definitely be done.

‘I was Phil’s manager at the time, but I hadn’t noticed any issues surrounding his mental health and neither had anyone else,’ said Kelly. ‘When Phil didn’t attend for work one day I knew that something was up as it was completely out of character. Our fears were confirmed when the police came to the office and told us that Phil had committed suicide on his way into work.

‘I had the idea very early on that I’d like to create a quiet room. Around 97% of the staff in Wallasey are male and this made me realise that many people, especially men, find it hard to speak up about their personal problems.

‘I approached the CWU for funding and they helped us obtain room dividers to turn an unused room into the space. We decorated the walls with pictures of Phil as well as the contact details of mental health awareness charities.

‘The space has been a huge help to colleagues as it gives everyone the chance to have somewhere to go to reflect on any issues they might be having in a safe and private environment. It’s made people realise that it’s ok to not be ok and there is in fact, a huge amount of support available in the business.

‘It has also helped us to look out for each other more and understand and highlight that anyone can or might be suffering from a mental health condition’.

Click here if you would like to find out more about the ‘It’s ok to not be ok’ campaign.