As we enter the third UK national lockdown, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the support available for all colleagues at BCLM. We now have team of 12 Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) to offer support through these very challenging times.
Some of our MHFAs are currently furloughed, but the following are working, and are happy to support as appropriate. If you click on their names you will see a brief bio of each MHFA. If you do decide to reach out to any of the MHFAs, please be assured that your contact and discussion will remain confidential between the two of you. They are able to listen if you simply want to share your concerns, but are also able to direct you to further appropriate support if you need it.
Dawn Hampton
Dawn Hampton
Contact: [email protected]
” Hi, my name is Dawn. Many of you have seen me around the Museum, but for those who haven’t, I am part of the Finance Team.
I have worked at the Museum since 2001 – starting in the Sales and Ticketing (Bookings) Office.
I am currently studying for my AAT Level 3 at Dudley College, and enjoy volunteering with my daughter, at the Greyhound Trust on a Sunday, walking and feeding the dogs and cleaning their kennels.
At the moment, we are still able to volunteer, and getting out has helped with our mental health during this pandemic.
I am married and have two teenage children, and two greyhounds at home. Life is never dull!
Being a Mental Health First Aider is very close to my heart, and I want people to know there is always someone there and to never feel alone. “
Hayley Turner
Hayley Turner
Contact: [email protected]
” Hi I’m Hayley, I work in the People & Culture Team and I have worked at the Museum for over a year.
Alongside full-time work, I am studying part time for my Level 7 CIPD Advance Diploma in Human Resource Management. This requires me to have strong organisational and time management skills to effectively manage my priorities at work and in my studies.
In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, walking and spending time with my family and friends.
COVID-19 has disrupted important milestones and caused a lot of anxiety and stress for all of us. For me in particular, there has been significant disruption to my studies and I was faced with the difficult decision of postponing my wedding just a couple of months before I was due to get married.
I became a MHFA to provide support to my colleagues and to help the Museum in its commitment to creating a health working environment. “
Jo Turner
Jo Turner
Contact: [email protected]
” Hi – I’m Jo and I’ve been Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive at the Museum for the past 5 ½ years, also providing support to the Board of Trustees and Leadership Team. Previous to this I worked for children’s charities, supporting management and key workers with projects and services for young people, sometimes dealing with challenging and often traumatic issues. One of the projects I supported introduced young people to new activities and experiences to help improve their mental health.
Finding what brings you joy, what’s meaningful to you that gets you through the day or helps with a difficult situation can be really powerful. For me, what’s got me through the last year and what helps with my own anxiety, has been staying connected to others, practising yoga and getting creative with crafts and DIY at home. Getting outside more has also helped and I’m currently attempting the Couch-to-5K scheme to help improve my fitness.
I also currently mentor 2 admin professionals outside of work, supporting them with the challenges they face in their roles, with personal issues and with their thoughts and hopes about the future.
I wanted to become a Mental Health First Aider to support colleagues with their own wellbeing and to help the Museum with its commitment to creating a happy and healthy workforce. “
Kate Kirkpatrick
Kate Kirkpatrick
Contact: [email protected]
” Hello, I’m Kate and I’ve worked at BCLM for just over 3 years as the Business Development Manager looking after venue hire, Business Partners and filming.
As well as working full time, I’m a Mom to 3, although 2 of my children are older and self-sufficient, they often still need their Mom! Juggling home and work life can be tricky and can bring many challenges, I’m grateful for the flexibility BCLM offers in order to manage this.
Exercise is a big deal in my day to day life. I love group workouts, indoor and outdoor cycling, walking and yoga. More recently these have been home workouts! It’s been a challenge to stay on top of this during lockdown, whilst out of routine and normal structure, but the days I get some exercise in are always the best days, even if it’s just a walk in nature somewhere!
Having experienced anxiety and depression for many years, I have found regular exercise and healthy eating plays an enormous part in keeping me on track. Being there for friends and family in the past using tools I’ve armed myself with, I am passionate about supporting people who struggle with their mental health. Having recently completed the Mental Health First Aider course, this has strengthened my ability to support colleagues who may need a hand or more importantly an understanding ear. “
Liz Peters
Liz Peters
Contact: [email protected]
” Hi, I’m Liz, Sales and Ticketing Manager and have worked at the museum for over 5 years in various roles.
In my own time I am studying for a BSc Psychology and Counselling degree. In previous jobs I’ve worked in a young person’s residential home providing mental health support and I’ve grown up with family members who work in similar professions.
I have an interest in genealogy, photography, which I had the perfect opportunity to work on during the lockdown and caring for several rescue cats and a rabbit which keeps me busy.
I wanted to become a MHFA because I believe there is a real need for a mental health support network in the workplace. “
The following resources may also be of help;
NHS One You: For Your Mind – Looking after your mental health – offers expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing
NHS One You: For Your Body – useful resources to help you make better lifestyle choices for a healthier you
MHFA: Address Your Stress – a toolkit for tackling stress, including simple self-care tips, understanding your Stress Container, and a weekly wellbeing check-up
Mental Health First Aid England have created the below video to offer guidance for ways to support your mental health while working from home:
Whilst gyms and restaurants are closed at the moment, we would like to remind you that the Reward Gateway’s “Move” and “Munch” sections have some great videos for at-home workouts and great recipes to try out, respectively.
As always the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) scheme is available for all. The EAP offers 24/7 support on a range of topics, including mental health, overall wellbeing, financial and legal support, etc. You can access this service by calling 0800 015 7287 and quoting “Black Country Living Museum”. Alternatively you can access the online portal by visiting www.colleaguesupport.co.uk, using ‘72160’ as your username and password.
We would be delighted to hear how our colleagues are passing the time; any tips and stories would be very welcome. Please do send your experiences to [email protected] and perhaps we can share these with your permission.
Finally, we’d like to remind all colleagues to continue to let us know if you test positive for COVID-19 and/or if you have had the COVID-19 Vaccine, again please email [email protected].
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