Mental Health Support

Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the UK are likely to experience mental health problems each year?

Mental Health is an important part of employee well-being, and as such the West Chester BID has support in place should any employees feel they need help, no matter how big or small.

Mental Health online workshops

The BID runs free of charge, regular hour-long mental health online workshops for employees to attend, focusing on a range of topics from stress or anxiety in the workplace, loneliness, grief support and depression. Click below to see which sessions are available for the year.

2025 Mental Health Online Workshop Dates

Mental Health First Aid Training

The BID offers free of charge Mental Health First Aid training for employees who are looking to get trained up as their organisation’s Mental Health First Aider. The course will look at raising awareness of mental health, developing an understanding on how best to support, reassure and signpost colleagues to professional support as well as developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to actively promote positive mental health within the workplace. The training is accredited with certificates valid for 3 years. To enquire about the next available date, please email [email protected].

Here to Chat Sessions

The BID works closely with our mental health representative Karen, who can offer one on one sessions with individuals who may need a chat, someone to talk to, or to discuss any problems they may have relating to their mental health. The cost of a first session is covered by the BID. If you think you or a colleague would benefit from a session, please email [email protected].

Employee Assistance Programmes

EAP schemes are a very cost-effective way of looking after your employees and most providers include: 24/7 phone support, 1-1 counselling (including CBT and bereavement), mobile apps for topics such as stress, anxiety and depression and a range of webinars.   Like any insurance policy it all depends on the package your business has which usually range from; essential, complete to advance. Get in touch with your HR department or your organisation’s Mental Health First Aider to discuss the options that may be available to you.

Helpful Tips for a Healthy Mind

  • Nature and outdoors – nature and the outdoors is proven to help improve mental health. Take a walk or cycle along the River Dee, visit the peaceful tranquil of Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB, the Countess of Chester Country Park, Chester Wetlands or the Shropshire Union Canal and take a moment to enjoy nature. Take up photography or birdwatching – a great way to focus the mind – and really look at what is around you – the many birds, mammals, plants and insects that may previously have gone unnoticed. Strava is a great free app to log routes and make notes.
  • Take up new hobbies – a great way to focus thoughts or the mind on something else entirely, whilst also making new social connections in the process. Take up photography, learn new recipes while cooking or baking, join cookery classes, take up music, art or pottery classes – the latter is a great way to spend a few hours concentrating on nothing except what is in front of you. Chloe Augusta Art in Chester and Parkgate offers regular classes.
  • Reading regularly – take the time to sit peacefully and read – a great way for the mind to focus on something else entirely.
  • Gardening projects – gardening is proven to be extremely therapeutic and promotes better mental health. Create a pollinator friendly herbaceous border, start growing your own fruit, veg and herbs (a Veg Trug is handy in gardens with limited space) or turn your garden in to a wildlife friendly plot by introducing mason bee houses, hedgehog homes and feeding stations (a bowl of Purina One Kitten biscuits is favoured by hedgehogs), or by setting up some bird feeders. You could even build a pond – one of the best things to do for wildlife.
  • If working from home alone – getting a pet for company can help reduce loneliness and provide a companion. Dogs, Cats, House Rabbits, Tortoises – the possibilities are endless.
  • Look up – on a dark, clear night, take a moment to look up. There are many links with stargazing, astronomy and positive mental health, as simple as it may be. There is a sense of awe looking up and taking in the milky way and the many stars dotting the sky. Learn the changing constellations with the free SkySafari app – stargazing is known to help change perspectives and reframe problems.

Resources and Tailored Support

If you or someone you know is in urgent need of lifesaving help, please call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. For non-emergency medical help call 111. The below document from the Burnout Report from Mental Health UK provides helpful advice for both employees and employers regarding burnout at work, as well as a list of organisations for those who require additional support.

Mental Health Support 

If you think that you, or any of your employees or colleagues would benefit from any of the BID mental health support on offer, including the Here to Chat sessions, please get in touch with us on [email protected] or by telephoning 01606 723175.