29th April 2021
SDC Trailers partner with Action Mental Health to establish employee well-being support group
Antrim based semi-trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers has joined forces with their charity partner Action Mental Health (AMH) to create an employee support system, promoting health and well-being in the workplace. A selection of employees completed online AMH works ‘Mindful Manager’ training along with staff from sister company MDF Engineering, and ‘Mental Health First Aid’ courses are ongoing.
Paul Bratton, Group President at SDC Trailers said “We recognise that COVID-19 has affected people in many different ways and could have a negative impact on their mental health, so we thought it essential to have a support system in place. The training means that staff will be able to recognise a wide range of mental health conditions, know how to start a supportive conversation and signpost individuals to the appropriate mental health help. Employees will also know where to go if they need any support.”
AMH Works programmes are hosted by a qualified trainer and are available to employers across Northern Ireland. In line with social distancing measures, the evidence-based courses have been adapted and moved online so that this vital training could continue during the pandemic. Plans are now in place to resume face to face training when possible.
As the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers to the transport and logistics sector, SDC employs over 750 staff who are involved in the design and production of a wide range of trailer solutions. The company appointed Action Mental Health as their charity partner in 2019, and since then have raised over £50,000, which has been used to support AMH’s wide range of services from awareness raising and training programmes for local schools to counselling and a wide range of recovery-based programmes for local adults.
Action Mental Health’s Head of Communications & Fundraising, Jonathan Smyth praised the team on their efforts. “We are hugely grateful for the ongoing support we receive from all of the staff at SDC and MDF, these funds are making a massive difference to local people who benefit from our services. I am also extremely pleased to see the commitment from the company to support the mental health of its staff and management, this has never been more important, given the specific challenges we are all facing at present.’
Employees have also signed up to take part Action Mental Health’s new ‘Get Your Move On’ virtual challenge which will run between May and July 2021. The unique challenge features a virtual map that records participant’s activity and is designed to help people get active and support their mental health and well-being, whilst also raising funds to support the charity’s work. The event kicks off in May to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week and is open to everyone to take part.
More information can be found at -
https://amh.enthuse.com/cf/get...