Meet our Mental Health First Aiders

Our mental health offering

• Vitality mental health support
• Free Headspace subscription
• Discounted spa days
• Weekly meditation sessions
• Discounted gym membership and activewear
• Frequent socials
• Flexible working hours

Q&A with Grace Buchanan

What motivated you to become a mental health first aider, and why do you think this initiative is important at Journey Further?

I’ve always been a passionate champion of wellbeing and helping people find wellness practices that work for them. As a member of the People team, this is naturally a part of my role, but becoming a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) felt like a great way to take this a step further.

This initiative is vital because it adds a unique layer to our support system. While we offer fantastic professional services, line management, and peer support, MHFAs are trained, familiar faces who understand the context of our business. We’re here to listen, provide a safe space, and effectively sign-post colleagues to the right resources so no one has to navigate a challenge alone.

For anyone who’s unsure, what actually happens when someone reaches out to a Mental Health First Aider?

Employees can reach out to MHFA’s either in-person or online. Once someone gets in touch, a space and time will be found to talk informally. There’s no pressure to have all the answers; the role of a MHFA is to listen without judgement and provide a safe space to offload. Peers can chat through what’s on their mind and, if helpful, MHFA’s can guide them toward the right professional resources or internal support. It’s a confidential, human-first conversation intended to lighten the load.

How do our wider mental health benefits, like Headspace, Vitality support, and flexible working, complement the Mental Health First Aider programme?

While MHFA’s provide immediate, human connection during a tough moment, tools like Headspace and our flexible working policy offer the proactive, everyday maintenance that helps prevent burnout before it starts. Our Vitality PMI then bridges the gap between peer support and professional care. It’s an incredible resource that offers support such as private GP appointments and access to talking therapies for when specialist support is needed.

What’s one small thing people can do to better look after their mental health at work?

This is quite a simple one, but it makes a huge difference – I believe that organising diaries in advance and planning breaks when you think you’ll need them is so important. Using realistic time-blocking and planning your day (as much as you can) allows you to protect your energy and maintain control. If you naturally dip in the afternoon or have a particularly intense meeting scheduled, plan a break around that time. Additionally, planning the break itself is also key; whether this is a walk outside, grabbing a coffee with a colleague, or sitting away from your desk, being physically and mentally away from work is important. Sticking to regular habits like this helps prevent stress from building up to where you feel overwhelmed or consumed by responsibilities.

Connect with the team