V.Group establish a network of Mental Wellbeing Champions

Given the importance that V.Group attributes to mental wellbeing for our colleagues, we are delighted to confirm that we now have a network of over fifty Mental Wellbeing Champions across the Group’s global locations.

Our Mental Wellbeing (MW) Champions will make a real difference across the organisation and play a key role in supporting our Mental Wellbeing Committee to make mental health a normal topic of conversation, dispelling myths and making it easier for colleagues to seek support.

As part of their journey, MW champions attended two sessions in January to assist them in their role as a primary point of contact when it comes to responding to and supporting a colleague experiencing difficulties. Half day training sessions took place between the 8th and 15th January.

The training course was specifically designed and delivered by a professional Clinical Psychologist and ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network) representative, and covered the following themes:

• 1^st Session: What is understood by Mental Health? Why don’t we talk about mental health, the Biopsychosocial model of Mental Health, risks and stressors, managing stress in tough times, and psychological wellbeing.
• 2^nd Session: The role of the Mental Wellbeing Champion.

In line with our value “We Care”, the main purpose of the training is to ensure MW Champions are equipped to raise awareness of practices which impact upon the mental wellbeing of colleagues, help build a positive mental environment, challenge mental health stigma, and provide peer support to colleagues.

Farhad Nanavaty, HSEQ Manager at ITM Dubai, who volunteered to be part of the MW Champions’ network said: “The course was well structured, informative and reminded us of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, which is equally important as our physical health. Importance of our own mental wellbeing was emphasised, as sometimes people tend to forget about themselves and focus only on others. The course taught us useful methods and coping mechanisms to support, guide and give direction to our colleagues in need. Overall, a very informative course and a fantastic initiative as we continue to raise awareness about mental health”.

Caitlin Vaughan, Project Manager at ISWAN, commented: “ISWAN is committed to improving understanding of mental health and reducing stigma across the maritime industry, so we are delighted to provide this training for V.Group’s Mental Wellbeing Champions and support this excellent initiative. The participants have been extremely engaged and motivated; we look forward to hearing about the positive contribution of their new role in the future”.