1. How to find the stress "sweet spot"
2. How to manage our own mental health at work.
3. How to help a colleague struggling
4. What can organisations do to create a more supportive environment
5. ‘Reasonable’ workplace adjustments
Links for further support:
www.mhfaengland.org
www.mhfaengland.org/startwell
https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/campaigns/my-whole-self-2022/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin/in/simonblake/
Twitter: @MHFAEngland
Instagram: @mhfaengland
FB: @MHFAEngland
Bio
Simon joined MHFA England as Chief Executive in October 2018 and has been responsible for setting the organisation’s new strategic vision to improve the mental health of the nation through its mission to train one in ten of the population in mental health skills, knowledge and awareness. He has also been instrumental in leading the organisation’s commitment to become a truly anti-racist social enterprise, and is the executive sponsor for MHFA England’s race equity programme.
Simon is a respected thought leader on the subject of mental health, workplace wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion. He writes regularly for the MHFA England blog, contributes to media articles and plays an active role on mental health and wellbeing events, either chairing or contributing his expertise as a speaker or panellist.
Before joining MHFA England, Simon dedicated his career to working with young people and has a long track record of championing difference and creating platforms for people’s voices to be heard. In doing this, Simon has worked on some of the most talked about and complex social issues of today: sex and relationships education, sexual and reproductive rights, volatile substance abuse, Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship and LGBTQ rights. He is driven by a passion for a better, more inclusive society where everyone can be themselves.
With over 20 years working with young people Simon has been involved in several projects and initiatives to promote positive wellbeing and mental health. He has written over 40 publications on all aspects of PSHE and Citizenship.
In his roles at the Sex Education Forum, National Children’s Bureau, sexual health and wellbeing charity Brook and, most recently, as Chief Executive of the National Union of Students (NUS), Simon has considerable experience in balancing the competing agendas of various high-profile organisations and stakeholders, finding ways to build consensus and collaboration to achieve positive social outcomes.
Simon received an OBE in 2011 for his services to the voluntary sector and young people. He was recognised as a 2020 Global Diversity Champion in the Global Diversity List and the 2021 Pride Power List. He is Chair of the Dying Matters Campaign and the Support After Suicide Partnership. Prior to these voluntary roles he has held a number of trustee positions including trustee and vice chair of the Black Health Agency (2004 – 2011), Chair of Diversity Role Models (2012 – 2015) and vice chair of Stonewall (2015 – 2021). Simon is a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute.
