70% of employees say they’ve experienced poor mental health in their lives^[1], and approximately 1 in 4 in the UK will experience a mental illness each year^[2].

Statistics such as these cannot be ignored. And mental health doesn’t just affect us at home, it can affect any and all elements of our lives. We therefore believe that we have a responsibility as an employer to support our staff and their mental health.

In many ways, mental health is just like physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it. For this reason, we are pleased to have introduced trained Mental Health First Aiders into Stage One. This team of individuals promote awareness of mental health in the workplace; and can support colleagues who are struggling with their mental health.

Sometimes, even small everyday actions can make the biggest difference. The role of a Mental Health First Aider can vary from simply providing a non-judgemental listening ear, to signposting to further resources or professional help, to responding to a mental health crisis.

[1] Mind
[2] NHS England

Beyond our own organisation we are also pleased to support Backup Tech, a UK registered charity that supports technical professionals across the UK entertainment industry, specifically live events, music touring theatre and broadcast.

Backup Tech provides financial support, access to wellbeing aid, and access to training such as Mental Health First Aid.

Earlier this year, Stage One Account Handler Anthony Almond took part in Backup Tech’s Bikefest Spain, one of eighteen riders who cycled the 390km from Valencia to the Fira de Barcelona over three days.

More recently, Stage One colleagues took part in Kartfest, an adrenalin-fuelled annual karting competition, and the 5 Star Cases Flight Case Relay, activities that take place as part of Backup Tech’s Village Fete in Sandown.

We’re pleased that we can take these small steps that may make a significant difference to those in need.