First class support

This week’s Mental Health Awareness Week is about sharing colleagues’ experiences of mental health and emphasising that the first step towards seeking support is crucial.

We want all colleagues to feel they can be open about their mental health and comfortable discussing any mental health issues that may be affecting them, either indirectly or directly. Speaking to someone, whether by phone or face-to-face, will only make things better.

Customer service advisor, Sarah Symonds, from our HR Service Centre, bravely shares her story and explains how the First Class Support helpline played a vital role in her recovery.

‘My husband recently suffered a cardiac arrest which led to a week’s stay in hospital and a short surgical procedure,’ said Sarah. ‘This incident came completely out of the blue and was very traumatic for the both of us. I had two weeks away from work supporting him both in hospital and then during his first week back at home recovering.

‘I returned to work thinking that I would be fine and that I would be able to go about my usual daily routine as normal as only my line manager and closest work colleague were aware of why I had been away. How wrong I was.

‘After discussing my husband’s incident and recovery with my line manager, I was really emotional and unable to concentrate on my work. We agreed that I would perform easier tasks while I got back to normal. But, by my third day back at work, my colleagues became concerned that I was not my usual self as I was so emotional. When I had my welcome back to work meeting it was suggested that I call the First Class Support helpline.’

‘I was connected to a lovely lady who explained that a lot of what I was experiencing was very normal and that maybe I had returned to work too soon.

‘Over the next few weeks, further conversations followed to find out how things were going and how I was feeling. They were very supportive and even when I was making good progress, they still got in touch to check how I was doing. It will take a while for everything to get back to normal as our lives have changed so dramatically, but we’re taking one day at a time.

‘My experience with the First Class Support helpline has been a very positive one. The support I have received has been very welcome and helpful and I am grateful that I had someone to talk to. I would highly recommend the service and encourage others to take the first step, including my husband, as one of the many services available extends to couples counselling.’

First Class Support

First Class Support is available 24/7 and is completely confidential. Call 0345 266 5060 for direct access to mental health support as well as to receive financial, relationship or legal advice.

In addition, our Feeling First Class website has materials and advice (use the code FFC1 to register) including the Because Healthy Minds Matter mental health awareness e-Learning.

Click here to see the full range of support available to you.