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Qualified #MentalHealthFirstAiders!

Jane James1 Comment

As part of Growing Talent we deliver the global Mental Health First Aider qualification for every Growing Talent Associate on the programme and invite some of the employer managers as well.

 

This intense course makes up the first two days of the Holistic Week, which for Growing Talent 21 was 29 and 30 April 2019.

 

The course teaches confidence and awareness in recognising a change in someone, starting a conversation, signposting on to appropriate help and – vitally – self care.

 

The first day sets the solid foundation of the work of mental health covering legislation, the start of MHFA in Australia the spread throughout the globe, depression and suicide.  The five global steps of intervention are introduced and used throughout the day.  ALGEE is fundamental in remembering the process to support someone and ourselves.  Keen to ensure there is no communication misunderstanding, I introduce ‘reflect back’ from the start of the MHFA course.  After listening, it’s essential in my opinion to reflect back what we’ve heard to ensure we have the facts.  Especially crucial when raising suicidal thoughts.  Day two covers anxiety, personality and eating disorders as well as psychosis – focussing on BiPolar and Schizophrenia.

 

Shennell joined us for the week to support and encourage the guys.  She did Growing Talent some four years ago.  She took a photo of her original manual and the current one for comparison.

 

 

We all agreed the new manual is a big improvement and a gym workout as well!

 

So after two exhausting days, what did the Growing Talent Associates and employers think?

 

“Intense course but essential in today’s society”

“This course has exceeded by expectations.”

“I’ve learnt a deeper understanding of mental illness and methods to support”

“This course gave me a better understanding of mental ill health”

“I can now empathise what a person may go through”

“It has changed my approach to mental health.”

“My confidence has increased a lot.  I can now understand rather than judge people”

“I have learnt so much”

“A very insightful two days”

“I now have the knowledge  to support someone and keep myself safe”

“A brilliant course.  Please continue to teach it”

 

There was unanimous agreement on increased knowledge, tools learnt, fear factor greatly reduced and confidence to plan, start and signpost a conversation with someone struggling.

 

A great day at the office then!

 

All delegates were given the homework to spend one hour on themselves before returning on Wednesday for the continuance of the Holistic Week.

 

We should all take time to nurture ourselves.  Don’t you agree?

 

Doing the right thing or risking a lawsuit? Food for thought?

Jane James1 Comment

As a Mental Health Instructor for over 10 years, I am enthused to see the growth towards seeing and respecting mental health in in the same way we see and respect physical health.  Everyone is comfortable enquiring if a cold is better – not quite so comfortable asking how someone is feeling on their return to work after say depression.

 

The internet is full of well intentioned plans and events to raise the bar in talking about mental health and I see more employers supporting events like #MHAW2019 – Mental Health Awareness Week which starts 13 May.  Really great intentions.

 

But is there a risk of being sued under the Equalities Act 2010 and taken to Employment Tribunal?

 

Some of the employers I know allow all staff, regardless of screening to see if they are equipped to listen to someone else’s pain, to be a ‘listening ear’.

 

You don’t know what you are going to hear when you sit down to listen to someone struggling.  It can be an emotive area the listener has strong views on – such as self-harm.  Even if they can listen without judging – are they knowledgeable on how to signpost someone on? do they know how to take care of themselves after listening to someone’s pain?

 

I feel very strongly that we should be talking more openly in every day conversations about all human issues especially mental health.  But I feel just as strongly that we need to train those listeners how to listen, signpost and look after themselves.

 

Why not have a #MHAAT (Mental Health Aware And Trained) badge for trained employees to wear all year – not just one week.  Wouldn’t we make more of an impact and reduce the risk of a challenge under the Equalities Act at Employment Tribunal?

 

What do you think?

As an employer – how do you know you’ve found ‘the one’?

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It’s difficult and time consuming trying to identify the right talent for your business before hiring, not just from a skillset point of view but also personal outlook, fit with the team and company ethos as well as future potential, before hiring them.

 

At the point of hire in traditional recruitment, a lot of time and money has been spent on composing the vacancy, advertising it, potentially engaging recruitment agencies, a contract has been drawn-up, payroll has been set-up – all without knowing if the individual is a good fit in all areas and has the potential to grow.

 

If there is a ‘miss-match’ there is not only a cost implication but also a decrease in team moral.

 

Surely a ‘try before you buy’ works for both sides.  Enter Growing Talent!  Now I know what some employers may think who have not been involved in anything like this before…”the unemployed never work out”, “there is no commitment from the unemployed – they’re used to not working”.

 

As the saying goes – the proof is in the pudding – as many naysayers have found.

 

Alex, on the current programme with Portico, recently had his first appraisal.  After just a few short weeks on site, he’s exceeded expectations in all areas.  Outstanding feedback from the team is a natural self esteem booster.  Alex is looking forward to the remaining training ahead.  Already, he’s been identified as a perfect addition to the team – something the employer would not have secured without Growing Talent.

 

Why aren’t all employers recruiting through Growing Talent?  I’d love to know…

 

 

http://www.growing-talent.co.uk

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs………….

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If we listened solely to the media, we could be duped into believing all is ‘doom and gloom’ on the prosperity of the UK.  This of course, again thanks to media outlets, is all due to Brexit.

 

There is no balanced reporting.  So I wanted to share how businesses appear to be growing – especially in London.  For the last year or so, employers have been few on Growing Talent.   Now the excitement is swelling with 14 different employers with multiple jobs!

 

Clearly some businesses are looking very bright. They are not waiting for the outcome of Brexit but taking the opportunity to expand and grow now!

 

So, if you are reading, listening, watching the news – remember there is another side, maybe more positive, which isn’t being reported.

 

Jobs, jobs, jobs – the future will be bright for those selected by employers at the end of July/early August!

 

 

Mr Fixit!

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With Growing Talent 17 in full swing, I’ve been making site visits all week.  One of the stand out ones was Delroy at Ballymore in Vauxhall.

 

Ballymore were taking part for the first time – so no pressure on Delroy to impress!  Joining the GM’s team at their Empress Gardens estate, Delroy is currently looking after the day-to-day maintenance of one building.  As a high end residential block, everything has to be pristine.

 

Located adjacent to the new American Embassy the area is developing quickly with new businesses and executive homes being built in the area.

 

Ballymore not only build residential and commercial properties, they maintain and run them as well.  Meaning customer care and relationship building are just as key to success as job ‘know how’.

 

Delroy is already being looked at for promotion as the estate is growing to nine buildings and he’s only been on site four weeks!  He’s absolutely loving it.

 

As his first job since 2010, no formal qualifications and only with the experience of running his own business, it was almost impossible for Delroy to secure the right role for him through the traditional route.  Through Growing Talent, he’s been able to showcase he is right for the role with Ballymore and changed management’s mind on the talent and potential amongst the ranks of the unemployed!  They confirmed they will recruit through Growing Talent again – great news, thanks to Delroy’s attitude and enthusiasm.

 

Delroy below in his own office complete with his own tropical fish tank for those mindful moments essential in any working day!

 

A strong career with Ballymore lies ahead for Delroy if he stays on course….. A great role model for others following him.

 

Ready, set …….almost go!

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Checklist!  The following is ready to go for tomorrow’s 17th Employer Speed Dating Session at Southwark Cathedral!

 

  • Employer Table names
  • Register of wannabe Growing Talent Associates
  • Profile summary sheet from employers
  • Ice breaker questions

 

With 22 talented applicants expected, it should be an amazing day!

 

Thanks to Matthew Bowden for the inspiring feature photo from http://www.freeimages.com –  it aptly shows the bright new future awaiting the selected Growing Talent Associates……….

True Grit!

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What an amazing story, what an amazing, positive  role model.

 

Describing herself as ‘a girl who liked to run…’ she was the first female to enter the Boston Marathon in 1967.  Even though she was registered, you can clearly see an official trying to force her off in the feature photo.

 

Her determination paid off.  She completed that marathon and may others since including taking part in the London Marathon 2018 held on 22 April prodding wearing her 261 badge number.  At 71 she glows health and vitality.

 

Although not a household name outside the world of running, she surely should be.  With a clear goal of what she wanted to achieve for herself in being allowed to run, she opened the barriers for others to follow.

 

Isn’t this a great lesson for us all?  Determination, patience, true grit will deliver the results you want and change hearts and minds along the way.

 

We are only bound my our own mind’s limitations…….  Ignore these perceptions, and anything is possible and achievable.

How do you…..

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Hire committed staff where you already know their personality, skills, fit with the team and your business as well as their future development progression?

Without it costing you any money?

Without it causing any risk to your business?

A source which has a four year track record?

Delivers real Social Mobility?

Has seen over 120 diverse people from all social backgrounds go into permanent jobs?

 

No – it’s not some kind of intrusive intelligence headhunting but….

 

Growing  Talent!

 

A new concept which enables employers to grow their own talent in situ and see all of the above before incurring the cost of hiring.  It makes sense for the participants too who may lack confidence to ‘sell’ themselves at interview.

 

If you are looking to add talent to your team, check out http://www.growing-talent.co.uk

Is there a block with employers recognising the value of ideas from those working for them?

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Most definitely! Is my conclusion….

 

On Growing Talent, everyone is technically unemployed and training in a vacant role which is their provisional job offer if they complete.  Very quickly, most who are enthused and see the value of this opportunity, will quickly see fresh ways of ‘upselling’ their ’employer’s’ goods/services.

 

From what I’ve seen, these ‘fresh eyes’ and therefore ideas are usually dismissed without investigation.  It seems to me employers see ‘unemployed’ rather than ‘human with ideas that could work’!  Why is that?

 

Like him or loathe him Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares include a segment of a new menu which me makes everyone taste and get to know.  This way, everyone can sell those dishes, give information to customers which in return will positively hit the bottom line.  It also ensures the individual is involved and enthused about the restaurant.

 

What an idea!  Ensure all staff know your values, products/services, reason for being……..

 

Maybe it’s time for some employers to think a different way?

 

I was reminded of this by Simon Sinek talking on YouTube about the Puerperal Fever deaths of the 1800s – known as childbed fever in which both mother and child died.  It was discovered the fever was caused by infection delivered by doctors.  At this point in time, medicine had graduated to investigation and understanding so autopsies were carried out.  Unfortunately, hand washing and tool sanitisation wasn’t!  Doctors would carry out autopsies in the morning then deliver babies in the afternoon without washing their hands.  However, pride that they were the cause meant no change happened for decades!  What a difference if looking at the idea of washing hands and giving it a try would have made.

 

For me there are similarities with employers who won’t listen to new ideas.  Keep doing the same thing.  Keep getting the same result.

 

International Women’s Day – what does it mean to you?

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To me it’s a time to respect those women who everyday work hard to deliver real change to benefit others.  If can be someone locally running a drop in club for new mothers – who are naturally terrified of the responsibility  – to people like Helen Taylor Thompson – 93yrs young who was a spy in WWII, set up the first AIDS hospice in Europe and now works in using technology in the treatment of AIDS patients.

 

No matter how small their impact is on our lives, for me, it’s about telling them!

 

I am honoured to work with some amazing people on Growing Talent (www.growing-talent.co.uk).  Today I received an email from one of them who was on the programme over 2 years ago to thank me for my support.  I’m still buzzing!

 

‘Happy international women’s day!! Thanks for encouraging me to seek counselling and stay strong, it’s what got me through a lot and still keeps me going. Had to thank you once again in light of today as it’s what inspires me to stay strong so I can encourage other women one day.’

 

Why not use this auspicious day to tell those women who inspire you, about the impact they have had on you.  You’ll make their day and give solid meaning to #IWD2018!