Finding and maintaining mental fitness is extremely precious for us, both at work and also in our personal lives. But this can be even more the case while undertaking professional studies such as an apprenticeship or your CIPS qualifications. This week, Cordie learners were treated to a custom-made Mental Health Awareness webinar for procurement apprenticeships, designed and delivered by our professionally qualified mental health first aid team.
“We are all increasingly aware of mental health, both in our personal lives and also at work. Finding that place of wellbeing can be extremely tough, especially for those managing challenging situations either at work, or at home, or both. When you add in the pressures of an ambitious and dynamic apprenticeship that is linked to your employment and involves repeatedly passing exams then mental wellbeing can also be challenged to.”
It is our responsibility at Cordie to make sure that all learners are supported through their studies and that we give everyone the right opportunities to succeed. We do this proactively though our safeguarding provisions under the leadership of Andrea Reynolds, one of the founding Directors of Cordie and our Designated Safeguarding Lead. Andrea is also one of our professionally-qualified mental health first aiders.
During the 2-hour interactive webinar, attendees were introduced to the mental health continuum and had the opportunity to explore how professional qualification studies (like apprenticeships) can bring added pressure both personally and professionally at work and at home.
Andrea also shared the NHS England five steps to mental wellbeing resources and also showed a number of useful videos. Over 40 Cordie learners attended this session, and a follow up has been arranged for next week.
These sessions have been designed as a regular feature of the Cordie apprenticeship programmes and our support to all learners remains at the topmost of our safeguarding agenda.
You can find out more about our approach to safeguarding and how we will support every learner here.