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As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May 2025), we carried out various activities to donate to our community, highlight the support available for our colleagues and break the stigma around mental health to encourage open conversations.
We caught up with our Mental Health First Aider Amanda Burns about the support Pickerings offers to our colleagues.
Amanda said: “As a Mental Health First Aider I’m trained to offer initial support and guide individuals toward the most relevant professional help.
“I’m also qualified to train other Mental Health First Aiders as we aim to have many others across the business, who are trained to understand and assist those who need help.
“We also offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides confidential contact with professionals along with a host of other helpful resources.”
“I’d encourage any colleagues who may be struggling to reach out to myself, use our EAP or simply speak to a friend.
Only by talking can we start to address any challenges and take the first steps to a happier, healthier place.”
During Mental Health Awareness Week, we encouraged staff members to come forward and discuss what mental health means to them.
Nicole Micallef, our Central Customer Operations Administrator, is passionate about raising awareness and has played a key role in supporting our campaign…
“Mental health awareness is something I have always been passionate about. Having witnessed the significant impact mental health can have on individuals, particularly among my close family and friends, I've come to understand just how important it is to help others in any way possible. Reaching out to those in need can make a profound difference in their lives.
“Over a year ago, I unexpectedly lost my uncle to suicide. This left me devastated and shocked, as I had no idea about the mental challenges he was facing. His experience illustrates how well people can hide their emotions.
“Mental health is crucial to me because you never truly know what someone is going through, regardless of how close you are to them, or what battles they might be facing. I believe more awareness needs to be raised around this issue.
“Last year, I participated in the Great North Run to raise money for Mind, a mental health charity that ensures no one has to face mental health problems alone. I raised over £400 for this cause. Additionally, I organised an Easter bonus ball this year, raising £118 for Mind, and I plan to take part in various events to raise more funds for this important charity. With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem, it is vital that no one goes through this alone.”
As the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week was ‘Community’ we wanted to show our support by giving something back.
We delivered vital food supplies for vulnerable families to a Food Bank in Middlesbrough.
Food banks not only provide desperate relief for those going hungry but can also direct people to mental health support or other helpful services. A warm welcome and a sense of community can be just as valuable as providing a full stomach.
Being part of a safe and positive community is crucial for our mental health and wellbeing. We flourish when we build strong connections with others and engage in supportive communities that reinforce the fact that we are not alone. Communities offer a sense of belonging, safety, and support during tough times, as well as a meaningful purpose in our lives.
As a national company with offices across the UK, we are dedicated to making our communities better places to live and work. In the same way we have a history to be proud of, we aspire to contribute to society in a way that our staff, customers and suppliers can be proud of too.
We rounded off Mental Health Awareness Week by wearing all things green to encourage openness around the topic.
At our head office, we prepared gift bags containing Samaritans merchandise, brochures about our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and some sweets.
A heartfelt thank you to our South Coast office for joining us in celebration! Our Regional Manager, Rob, should definitely make his Kermit the Frog onesie a regular part of his wardrobe—it's a hit!
Green is the designated colour for mental health awareness. It symbolises new life, renewal, and growth found in nature. This vibrant colour represents the idea that individuals facing mental health challenges can experience recovery, healing, and personal growth.
Throughout April, we headed north of the border to take a look at our Scotland team. From city apartment blocks in Edinburgh and Inverness to hard-to-find hotels in the Highlands and Hebrides, our engineers are well equipped to ensure your lifts are running smoothly.
Our lift engineers recently took part in training sessions to help them understand the Arkel control systems.
