Training & Consultancy

We offer bespoke training and consultancy that is delivered by accredited and experienced mental health professionals. The image below gives a brief outline of what is available.

Please contact val@jonathansvoice.org.uk for more details or to discuss your requirements

Now more than ever, we need to focus on creating a culture that actively promotes and supports good mental health at work.

This includes measures such as:

Being proactive in ensuring that policies and job descriptions take into account the impact on mental health
Challenging stigma so that everyone feels able to have open conversations about mental health
Providing employees with the right kind of information and support

We offer bespoke training and consultancy that is delivered by accredited and experienced mental health professionals to help you on your journey to achieving this.

Our approach

We do not believe that there is a one size fits all approach and we are aware of the particular challenges within the IP profession.

We would always start with an exploratory first meeting and take it from there. Our philosophy is to encourage companies to reflect honestly on where they are at regarding the mental health of the organisation as a whole (ie not just focusing on individual who might be struggling), to take to small meaningful steps that make a difference, are appropriate to their organisation and build on current good practice.

Charges, donations and fundraising

All the consultation and training we provide is free at the point of delivery. We do, however, rely on donations and fundraising to ensure that our work can continue. If you would like to make a donation, please go to https://jonathansvoice.org.uk/support-us or email val@jonathansvoice.org.uk

Senior leaders

Commitment from senior leaders is key to the success in creating a work environment and culture that values, protects and supports good mental health.

We provide:

Consultation and training for senior leaders on what a mentally healthy workplace might look like and how to take steps to achieve this.

Delivery

We can facilitate a review of current practice and policies, explore where the pressure points are coming, what is currently working and where there is room for improvement.
Help you identify the next steps to take and how to sustain change and good practice, using a three-tier (preventative, proactive, reactive) approach.
Advise on impact assessment
We would also cover areas such as the intersectionality between mental health difficulties and under-represented groups so that mental health is seen in a wider, more inclusive context.

Delivery is via online or face to face conversations with senior leaders/directors.

Facilitating employee feedback

As there is evidence that a ‘top down, bottom up’ approach works best, we can offer a safe space for employees to discuss mental health in the workplace.

This would enable staff to

Explore where their stresses at work are coming from
Help develop creative and realistic suggestions for senior management
Look at ways of feeding these back
Share examples of good practice

Delivery

An online facilitated forum (60 – 90 mins) aimed at empowering participants to discuss, collect findings and feed them back to the organisation.

Line Managers and Supervisors

People are often given management or supervisory responsibility because they are good at their job. Rarely are they given training in the ‘people skills’ side of managing, especially the challenge of dealing with mental health difficulties when they arise.

Our current training offer:

Skills and strategies for line managers and supervisors

This training workshop takes a practical skills-based approach to understanding and managing staff mental health

What we cover

Understanding common mental health difficulties and how they might impact on people’s work
Recognising the signs and symptoms
How to raise the issue; how to respond to disclosures
Managing the team dynamics
Supporting sickness absence and returns to work
Reasonable adjustments
Referring on; when and where?
What to do in a mental health crisis
The importance of self-care

Delivery

One-day face to face training delivered through a combination of taught input, videos, group work and case studies. Optimum numbers 12- 18. Minimum number 6.
A shorter 3.5-hour online version is available but the value of being in a room together, the build-up of trust over the day, the use of in-person skills practice and the flexibility around discussion means that the full value of the learning experience is compromised. Attendance on the general mental health awareness session is also a pre-requisite for the online version to ensure all areas are covered.

We will always consult with you beforehand to ensure that it is entirely relevant and appropriate for you and reference any HR policies or guidelines you have in place.

Essential communication skills for line managers

A 90-minute interactive online workshop

What we cover

What do we mean by communication?
Why keeping in touch is so important
What happens when we stop communicating?
Impact of Covid and remote working
Best ways of keeping in touch with teams and individuals
Psychological Safety
Learning how to listen

Delivery

The session will be delivered using a combination of facilitator input, group discussions and case studies.

Mental health awareness training for all staff

We have a selection of webinars aimed at all staff members to help support their mental health. We will always try to work with you in ensuring that what we deliver is appropriate to your company.

NB the trainer may use breakout rooms to give participants a chance to share experiences and ideas.

Mental Health Matters: a proactive approach

A practical introduction to understanding mental health and good self-care

What we cover

Exploring what we mean by ‘mental health’,
Looking at how experiencing a mental health difficulty, including stress might impact on your work
Strategies for looking after your own mental health
Helping others, including what to do in a crisis
What to do if you are struggling

Delivery

A non-interactive 60-minute online webinar.
There is also a 90-minute version provides greater opportunity for small group discussion and use of video. This could also be delivered in person, if appropriate.

Understanding and managing your stress at work

Exposure to prolonged stress can have a serious impact on our physical and mental health. This workshop explores this and provides some ideas for coping strategies.

What we cover

the nature of stress in the workplace.
We will explore how it can affect the way we experience and respond to situations and how we can influence or manage this.
We will cover some practical solutions such as reviewing your stressors by taking a personal ‘risk assessment’ approach, the importance of taking breaks and calming techniques such as self-compassion.
Some practical techniques for managing stress at work
There will also be an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas with colleagues.

Delivery

A 60-minute online webinar, with an optional 10-minute mindfulness practice at the end.
A more detailed 2-hour session (online or in person). This goes in greater depth and uses video, group discussion and has longer to explore stress management techniques.

Looking after your digital wellbeing

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in all aspects of our lives. While this can be enormously beneficial, it can also impact negatively on our mental wellbeing if we are not careful.

What we cover

Role of digital technology in our working and social lives
Why we need to look after our digital wellbeing
Impact of excessive use of technology
Digital wellbeing in the workplace and how to protect yourself
Tips for looking after your digital wellbeing at home, including the impact of cybercrime

Delivery

50 mins online

Open access webinars in partnership with IP Inclusive

To enable as many people as possible to attend our events, we will be collaborating with IP inclusive to present a series of open access webinars throughout the year on a variety of topics related to mental health which will be of particular relevance to those working in the IP professions. These will be advertised on our website, through direct mailing to firms already engaged with Jonathan’s Voice and on the IP Inclusive website.

Universities and Research Institutes

Training for both post graduate researchers and supervisors based on our guide Protecting your mental health; A practical guide for postgraduate researchers in STEM or

Please contact us directly if you would like more information or to arrange a discussion on how we might be able to help.

Providing a guest speaker for your conference, staff development days or team meetings

If you would like one of us to provide input for your staff or colleagues at these events on the importance of looking after your mental health, please contact us to discuss further.