A Cheshire charity who helped support a staff member to recovery have shown their support for World Mental Health Day, today (October 10).
Deafness Support Network employs around 75 people across the Cheshire area and has seen its staff through various life events and health incidents, including depression.
One such employ, Pam Craige, who supports children and their families with any type of deafness, had suffered silently from anxiety and depression for years.
Her depression cycles became unmanageable after the death of her husband in 2013 and despite having the support of the team, Pam was reluctant to ask for help.
Gill Reeder, operations executive, said: “When Pam eventually did come for help, it was such a relief for her and we knew some answers to the questions we were wondering about. We got on quickly with getting her help.
“I would encourage any charity, or employee to really take the time to ask seriously how things really are with staff, without making the fear of feeling like they can’t do their job properly. If you had broken your leg it would be obvious to see and easy for managers to arrange support – internally, we know it’s not that easy.”
Deafness Support Network has the Investors In People and Investors In Volunteers certifications and is keen to show their support for World Mental Health Day by sharing Pam’s story.