- Lloyds Banking Group launch new programme to train 2500 colleagues as mental health ‘Advocates’ by 2021
- The role of an Advocate will be to drive cultural change and remove stigma through encouraging open conversation among colleagues
- The new programme was identified and designed with charity partner Mental Health UK
Now in the third year of supporting mental health and working alongside charity partner, Mental Health UK, Lloyds Banking Group has committed to training 2500 colleagues as Mental Health Advocates by 2021.
The Advocates training programme has been developed in partnership with charity partner, Mental Health UK. The role of an Advocate will be to drive cultural change and remove the stigma associated with mental health through encouraging open conversation among colleagues.
The programme will look at the main issues affecting colleagues and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to protect their mental health, as well as supporting colleagues living with ongoing mental health conditions to succeed and thrive at work.
The training will focus on raising awareness and increasing understanding of Mental Health, providing the Advocates with tools to look after their own wellbeing, and practical resources to allow them to have supportive conversations with their colleagues. The training will be delivered via a series of workshops by Mental Health UK. Advocates will also have access to digital and online learning, also available to all Lloyds Banking Group colleagues.
Fiona Cannon, Responsible Business, Inclusion and Diversity Director at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Our ambition is to shift mindset to recognise that we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, and with the right support we can help our colleagues and customers with mental health conditions to thrive.
We need to do all we can to equip our colleagues with the skills and knowledge to support and protect their mental health as well as their friends and family. We want to empower them to spot the signs of mental illness early, seek help when needed and look out for others who might also be struggling.”
David Oldfield, Group Director Commercial Banking, and Group Executive Sponsor for Disability at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Mental Health Awareness Week has become a significant milestone in the Group’s calendar and awareness has reached new heights through our fundraising partnership with Mental Health UK.
Raising awareness of mental health and the steps we can all take to improve our wellbeing continues to be a priority for the Group and we’re aiming to create a culture where mental health and physical health are seen as equal and colleagues can access appropriate support for both when needed.”
