Wellbeing
Wellbeing at work is a priority, not a perk.
Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur and author, has shared various insights about health and wellbeing. One notable quote is:
“Taking care of your mental health is the single most important thing you can do for your career, your relationships, and your happiness.”
This quote reflects the importance we here at ioda places on mental health and overall wellbeing.
Helplines and Resources
We’ve gathered some useful helplines and resources for apprentices. These are all independently run and are provided as a guide only
Mental Health Support
Every Mind Matters: expert advice from the NHS.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): CALM takes a stand against suicide. That means standing against feeling down, standing up to stereotypes and standing together to show life is always worth living. Visit the website for resources or get support by using the webchat or calling 0800 58 58 58, available from 5pm to midnight every day.
Samaritans: If you need someone to talk to, we listen. We won’t judge or tell you what to do. Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.
SHOUT: A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text “SHOUT” to 85258, or text “YM” if you’re under 19.
Hub of Hope: nationwide mental health database with more than 1,800 local, regional, grassroots and national services.
Mind: The mental health charity. We’re here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.
NHS Mental Health services: Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline (England only) and other NHS mental health services.
Useful Advice
ACAS: free and impartial advice for employers and employees, advice on the workplace, including discrimination and dispute resolution.
Access to Work: Access to Work is a government scheme. It can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. It can pay for some reasonable adjustments and support.
BAME Apprentice Network: A Community of Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic (BAME) Apprentices that aims to change apprenticeships’ landscape, championing change within the sector.
Citizen’s Advice: Help with work, benefits, housing, debt and more.
Disability Rights UK: Influencing regional and national change for better rights, benefits, quality of life and economic opportunities for Disabled people.
Disabled Apprentice Network, part of Disability Rights UK
Disability Rights UK’s Disabled Students Helpline offers information and advice to disabled students, apprentices and trainees on a range of topics. Call 0330 995 0414, between 11am-1pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email students@disabilityrightsuk.org
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC): An independent body established to help eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality and protect human rights.
Health and Safety Executive: A government body that provides advice and information on health and safety issues. Call 0300 003 1747 (8.30am—5pm).
Maternity Action: A charity working to promote the rights of pregnant women and tackle discrimination. Information on maternity rights is available in a number of different languages.
Money Helper: Free money and pensions guidance, including tools and calculators, published by the government.
MoneySavingExpert: For advice on cutting costs and saving money.
Shelter: Advice, information and advocacy on tenancy rights, housing and homelessness.
StepChange Debt Charity: The UK’s leading debt charity, with debt advice and fee-free debt management.
Stonewall: Stonewall stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere.
Victim Support 0808 168 9111 www.victimsupport.org.uk Offers support to victims of crime and traumatic incidents.
Other Resources
Template letters for disability rights from Right to Participate
What is mindfulness? From the NHS
Mindfulness exercises and tips from Mind
Video: Why is mindfulness good for your mental health?
How to improve your mental wellbeing from Mind
Employer Resources
Supporting your apprentice from Apprenticeships
Framework for positive mental health at work from ACAS
How to promote wellbeing and tackle the causes of work-related mental health problems from Mind
Guidance to improve the apprentice experience from the Learning & Work Institute
5 top tips on raising awareness of inclusion in your workplace from Inclusive Employers
Mental Health at Work tools, resources, and stories for employers to improve mental health at work
Benchmarking tools to measure your progress on LGBT inclusion from Stonewall
Workplace stress posters from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to purchase
Mental health posters from the Mental Health Foundation, free PDF