Celebrating Time To Talk Day: What Wellbeing Means to Our Mental Health First Aiders

“Talking about how we’re really doing matters because it stops things building up in silence and helps people get support sooner. That’s why having Mental Health First Aiders at work is so important, they are there to listen, guide, and make conversations about mental health feel easier and not as daunting. They’re real people who’ve stepped up because they’ve seen how powerful it is to talk when someone needs support. They are often the safe ‘first step’ and can signpost others to access the right resources and the professional services we have on offer when it is needed.”

Cathryn Sims, Group HR Director

This year, we’re celebrating Time to Talk by featuring our mental health first aiders from various departments here at Creditsafe, who have kindly volunteered to talk about what wellbeing means to them and the program as well. Here’s what they have to say!

Why does wellbeing matter to you?

For me, managing my mental health is a daily challenge. I liken it to walking a tightrope – Some days the rope is tight and it’s easier to walk, and other days it’s slack and I wobble. When my mood is low I also know that I’m not the best version of myself and that can start sending you into a spiral if you don’t keep it in check. The thing is, I know that there are loads of guys that feel this way and if I can help then I will.

What inspired you to take part in the mental health first aider program?

I often find myself in conversations with people where they naturally vent about things, whether that’s about work, family or just life. I’ve also lived and seen enough of the consequences of not recognising when you need to look after yourself better. If a few minutes of my time can help someone be their best self, then it’s a good trade in my eyes.

How does our mental health first aider programme help people with wellbeing at work?

Joining the MHFA program helped refresh me on the tools I use everyday in my own life, and how I can communicate these to other people. I think just having awareness that there are people in the company who are there to help when you need it, helps foster a better community of openness and communication.

Why does wellbeing matter to you?

Wellbeing matters to me because we can never fully know what someone may be experiencing, especially when we only see a small part of their life. When our wellbeing is supported, it influences how we view situations, how we respond to challenges, and how we connect with others.

What inspired you to take part in the mental health first aider program?

Like many people, I’ve been in situations where I wished a mental health first aider had been available. Being able to provide a safe outlet for someone during a difficult moment – or simply letting them know they’re not alone – can make a meaningful impact on both their life and ours, often in ways we don’t immediately realize.

How does our mental health first aider programme help people with wellbeing at work?

Both inside and outside of work, there are times when none of us operate at our best. The mental health first aider programme offers opportunities for support – whether through a quick coffee chat, a game of pool to reset, or simply creating a quiet space where someone feels comfortable opening up. These small but intentional moments of support make a significant difference in how we feel, collaborate, and contribute as a team.

Wellbeing matters to me because taking care of ourselves is one of the most important things we can do, not just for our own health, but for the people around us. When we look after our mental and emotional wellbeing, we’re better equipped to show up in our personal lives, our work, and our relationships. It’s a foundation that supports everything else we do.

What inspired you to take part in the mental health first aider programme?

Creditsafe has been an incredible place for me, not only in terms of the work I do, but also through the relationships, camaraderie, and sense of community I’ve built here. I wanted to give something back. Becoming a mental health first aider felt like a meaningful way to do that: to be someone people can talk to, whether they’re working through a difficult moment or simply need to know there’s a supportive ear available.

How does our mental health first aider programme help people with wellbeing at work?

To me, the mental health first aider programme shows that Creditsafe truly cares about its people. Investing time and training into something so important sends a strong message: wellbeing matters here. It’s also been inspiring to see how many of our colleagues stepped forward to take on this role. That collective willingness to support one another creates a stronger, more compassionate workplace for everyone.

I decided to become a Mental Health First Aider because people’s wellbeing has always been central to how I work, even before I was part of the HR team. I frequently see the pressures colleagues carry in the workplace, sometimes long before they say anything and I wanted to be better equipped to support them in a practical, confident and compassionate way. For me, this isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about being present for honest conversations, reducing stigma, and making sure people know they don’t have to struggle on their own. The Mental Health First Aider programme has given me the training and resources I can use every day; whether that’s supporting individuals, helping managers handle sensitive situations, or helping to shape an environment where wellbeing matters.

Anna keeps the crucial importance of wellbeing short, sweet, but powerful. She says:

Wellbeing is a way of living! It is a holistic, foundational approach to life that supports your personal journey! The goal is to be happy!

Why does wellbeing matter to you?

Wellbeing matters to me because it shapes how we feel, think, and function every day, both in and outside of work. I’ve personally experienced periods of low mental health, and I know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel when you’re struggling. Those experiences have shown me how important it is to have the right support around you. When people feel safe, understood, and supported, they’re able to bring their best selves to work and maintain a healthier balance in life.

What inspired you to get involved?

My motivation comes from both personal experience and my family. I’ve supported a close family member through long‑term mental health challenges, and I’ve seen firsthand how vital early support, empathy, and understanding can be. Those experiences made me want to ensure others don’t feel alone or unnoticed when they’re going through something difficult. Becoming a Mental Health First Aider felt like a meaningful way to make a positive difference and to be someone people can turn to without fear of judgement.

How does our Mental Health First Aider programme help people with wellbeing at work?

The Mental Health First Aider programme gives colleagues a safe, accessible way to reach out when they need someone to talk to. It equips trained individuals across the organisation with the skills to listen, provide reassurance, and guide people to the right support. It also helps build a culture where mental health is talked about openly and confidently, reducing stigma and showing that the organisation genuinely cares about its people. It’s not just about responding in a crisis — it’s about creating an environment where wellbeing is protected, valued, and integrated into everyday working life.

Mental health and wellbeing is something we take seriously at Creditsafe, whether it’s offering mental health support such as counselling, our mental health first aiders, our lunch and learn sessions, our EAP and much more, we’re always striving to look after each other.

A big thank you to our staff for sharing to celebrate the day and the importance of awareness! Until next time.

Creditsafe Group Team