Safeguarding and Prevent Newsletter – Issue 19

Welcome to the nineteenth edition of the Creative Alliance Safeguarding and Prevent Newsletter. Our Newsletter is produced every quarter, distributed to all Creative Alliance learners, employers, staff and the board. It is intended to raise awareness of Safeguarding, Prevent, British Values and how to keep learners safe and create a positive working environment.

At Creative Alliance we want to provide all our stakeholders with key information, advice and guidance on how to access support for themselves as learners, as employers or as members of our staff.

Our previous newsletter introduced the launch of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, discussed how feedback loops play a role in creating and sustaining an inclusive culture at an organisational and sector level and raised awareness of PMAC, specialists in Mental Health & Wellbeing

To read, please view our previous newsletters below.

This edition focuses predominantly upon World Mental Health Day on the 10th Oct, Mental Health in the Workplace and coping strategies for dealing with loneliness/isolation.

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day poster with 10 Oct date

This year, WMHD falls on Thursday 10th October 2024. Arguably one of the most important dates in the wellbeing calendar, this day exists to help raise awareness of mental health across the world.

Workplace Mental Health

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.

Businesses come in all different shapes and sizes, meaning that a one-size-fits-all approach to workplace wellbeing just doesn’t work. Each organisation has its own challenges, strengths, stressors, and opportunities.

Understanding the unique culture and demands of an organisation is crucial in implementing targeted initiatives that resonate with the workforce and create a supportive environment.

PMAC have created a useful article outlining what your business can do this World Mental Health Day, with some out-of-the-box ideas that won’t break the bank.

How to support mental health at work

Mental Health Foundation Logo

The Mental Health Foundation has produced a guide on ‘How to support mental health at work’

Read their research-backed guide for advice on how to look after for your own and your colleagues’ mental health.

Coping with lonliness

The Mental Health Foundation published an article about loneliness which may be of interest for yourself or your colleagues.

Loneliness can affect anyone – and it’s something we all experience from time to time. But if loneliness is affecting your mental health, there are things we can do that can help.

Together we can tackle loneliness

Loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health during the pandemic.

Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health and we need to find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness. We can all play a part in this. We want to raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental well-being and the practical steps we can take to address it.

Reducing loneliness is a major step towards a mentally healthy society.

One in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time. There’s no single cause and there’s no one solution. After all, we’re all different! But, the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. Some people are also at higher risk of feeling lonely than others.

Coping Strategies

How to support yourself

  1. Try to do some enjoyable things that will keep you busy
    One way of trying to manage loneliness is by keeping busy and doing things we enjoy. This might be a hobby such as a bit of gardening, going to the gym or even sorting out your kitchen cupboards, jigsaws, puzzles or knitting. Small activities can give you energy and positive feelings. It’s important these things are fun or fulfilling.
    Be careful about working too hard or watching TV shows simply as a distraction. These will only delay or suppress your feelings and could actually make your mental health worse.
  2. Try to do things that stimulate your mind 
    Activities that occupy your mind can help with loneliness. This can include the benefits of taking courses or listening to podcasts on topics from comedy to fitness. This can be stimulating and something as simple as listening to the familiar voice of someone you like can help you feel less lonely.
  3. Think about doing a physical activity
    Physical exercise can help with loneliness. It can be as simple as having a walk in the park when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Alternatively, you could listen to music and do a bit of dancing around your living room. (Be aware of your neighbours though!)
  4. Try to engage with the people you meet in your daily life
    It can be hard to talk to others when you’re feeling lonely. However, trying to connect with the people you meet as you go about your day can be helpful. Even catching someone’s eye and saying “hi” as you walk along can make you feel better. Or it could be about saying hello to the postwomen or postman or going to the shops and talking to the person at the checkout. By sharing a polite greeting – you might find you give someone else a positive lift too.
  5. Find people that ‘get you’ 
    It can be hard to connect with others when you’re feeling lonely. But there are great benefits in finding people who have been through similar experiences to you. Interacting with others that ‘get’ you can give you a sense of belonging that may be missing. People who have been there have found connections in local groups or social media.
  6. Spend time with pets 
    If you are lucky enough to have a pet, it can be a great way of managing loneliness. Not only do animals provide us with unconditional love and support, but they also help to give structure to our days and even encourage us to get out and connect with others. Interaction with pets is also shown to help reduce stress levels.
  7. Try to use social media in a positive way 
    Social media can help your mental health. But it can also affect it negatively. The key is to use it in a positive way. Finding digital communities, you share interests and passions with can help. Most importantly be aware of how you feel when you use social media and focus on topics and activities that work best for you.
  8. Talking therapies can help 
    Talking through your feelings with a counsellor or therapist can help you cope with your feelings of loneliness. Talking therapy can be hard to get – but if you can find a professional, it can really be of benefit. It’ll provide you with a safe space to work through your feelings and thoughts without judgement. Check out your local resources by visiting the NHS website.

Every apprentice working with Creative Alliance has the right to work and learn in a safe environment, free from harm. If you have any concerns about a member of staff or co-worker, please contact Creative Alliance directly.

Lead Designated Safeguarding Officer

Helen Dixon: helen@creativealliance.org.uk

Office: O121 7530 049 / Mobile: 0742 9607 315

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

George Morris: george@creativealliance.org.uk

Office: 0121 7530 049 / Mobile: 01217146725