Erewash Voluntary Action – Mental Health Suicide Prevention Project

The aim of the project run by EVA is to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention in sports clubs, community and mutual aid groups and foodbanks. We provide information around mental health awareness, supply access to training and support organisations to develop action plans and policies.

From hairdressers and beauticians to tattoo parlours and coffee shops, all small businesses should feel equipped when it comes to talking about mental health. The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Outreach Project, funded by Derbyshire County Council Public Health, is calling for small businesses to get involved. Sonia Richardson, Development Worker supports organisations and plans steps they can take to make sure they feel confident when it comes to talking about mental health and suicide prevention.

There are different things businesses can do, all for free, including:

• Training opportunities such as Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Awareness.
• Creating a mental health policy or action plan.
• Access resources and signposting
• An introductory mental health workshop.
• Access to the Mental Health First Aid Network.
• Joining the National Suicide Prevention Alliance or Mental Health Charter.

Great2Work is a coworking space for small businesses and freelancers. After their recent workshop with the project Development Worker, staff members booked on to training sessions and have resources available for anyone to use. Lynne from Great2Work said ‘We are now much more aware on how to help ourselves and others, we have a pack of information available to all our members…I would highly recommend a session with the Development Worker to raise awareness of mental health in small businesses.’

If your business operates in Derby & Derbyshire, take the step to support your staff, your customers and yourselves by getting in touch. For questions, queries or more information, please contact Ellie at sonia@erewashcvs.org.uk.