RSK's mental health first aiders lay groundwork for open conversation

Motivated to gain a better understanding of mental health in the workplace and with a desire to help his colleagues, Franz Edwards took advantage of RSK training and became a mental health first aider.

Franz, a chartered surveyor who works at RSK Group company CS2 Chartered Surveyors, qualified as a mental health first aider in 2023. He said: “Mental health challenges are a significant issue in the construction industry for several reasons, including the physical demands of certain roles, the isolation of being away from friends and family when working on remote sites and workers not feeling able to talk openly.

“In becoming a mental health first aider, I wanted to be able to create a safe, supportive space where my colleagues feel heard and not judged. My goal was and is to help break down the stigma around mental health, especially in environments like construction, where it can be difficult to open up.”

The two-day training course was attended by colleagues from across the group and was delivered by an external trainer from Cheshire First Aid. Together, the group completed exercises including role plays, all of which helped them gain practical skills, knowledge and confidence.

Franz said colleagues are advised during training on how to look after their own mental wellbeing.

He said: “The role involves listening to other people’s challenges and offering support, which can be emotionally demanding. To be effective, mental health first aiders must look after their own mental health too.

“This can include practising self-care regularly, reflecting after a difficult conversation and taking the time to process it, setting emotional boundaries and continuous learning.”

Franz believes that it is becoming increasingly important for people considering a career to know whether a business takes mental health seriously. This is especially true among younger members of the workforce.

He said: “It’s positive to know that RSK is providing this training and ensuring mental health first aiders are on hand to support colleagues across the group.

“I want my colleagues to know that it’s okay not to be okay, and that they don’t have to struggle in silence. If someone is going through a tough time, I hope my role can be a bridge – connecting them to the professional support or resources they may need.”

Once their training is complete, mental health first aiders’ names are added to a variety of internal platforms, enabling employees across the business to reach out to them when they need support.

Colleagues are also advised to let their team and office know that they are qualified and are asked to complete a support log form when they have had conversations with employees. This is a completely anonymous process but helps the wellbeing team identify if the mental health first aider needs a check in or support in their role, and what topics RSK may need to put more resources into.

Mental health first aiders also receive information on upcoming events and initiatives at a group level, and access to workshops to keep upskilling them in the role.

Group Wellbeing Lead Sally Hulse said mental health first aiders are more crucial than ever as the business continues to grow.

She added: “It’s important to ensure there is further support available and that it is as accessible as possible for colleagues. Having mental health first aiders helps encourage open conversations about mental health in the workplace. They can help identify trends or areas of concern within teams and encourage proactive wellbeing measures.

“We are thankful for the time, commitment and encouragement the mental health first aiders put into promoting open conversations with their colleagues.”