Supporting mental health in the workplace can feel like an overwhelming responsibility, especially when you’re unsure where to start. The West Yorkshire Mental Health Signposting Guide was created to give managers, team leaders, and anyone involved in wellbeing a clear, practical tool to support their employees. It’s not a solution to every problem, but it’s a tangible first step that helps people see there is support out there and empowers them to take action.
At Thrive in Mind, we’ve seen how valuable it is to have trusted, local resources at hand. That’s why we developed this guide to focus specifically on West Yorkshire, helping businesses and employees navigate the mental health landscape more easily.
Mental health issues in workplaces across Yorkshire are on the rise, with many employees feeling the strain of long NHS waiting lists, ongoing stigma, and uncertainty about where to find help. Managers and team leaders are often the first point of contact for employees struggling with their wellbeing, yet they may not feel equipped to provide effective support. This guide bridges that gap by offering a simple, accessible resource tailored to the region.
For additional mental health resources beyond West Yorkshire, consider visiting the NHS Every Mind Matters website for practical tips and tools to support wellbeing.
The guide includes essential information such as crisis helplines, local therapeutic services, and self-help tools. Highlights include 24/7 support lines like the West Yorkshire Mental Health Helpline and First Response, community resources like Andy’s Man Club, and NHS Talking Therapies available in Calderdale, Leeds, Kirklees, Wakefield, and Bradford. It also covers practical self-help tools such as Every Mind Matters and Hub of Hope, giving employees a range of options to suit their needs.
How can you use this guide in your workplace? It’s designed for flexibility and accessibility, making it a helpful resource for anyone involved in supporting wellbeing. Managers and team leaders can use it during one-to-one conversations or wellbeing check-ins, ensuring employees know where to turn for further support. Mental health first aiders can refer to the guide as a reliable tool for signposting colleagues to professional resources. HR teams can share it widely through internal communications, such as newsletters, team meetings, or Slack channels, to ensure every employee is aware of the help available.
Including the guide in onboarding materials is another great way to demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to mental health from day one. You can also incorporate it into mental health awareness campaigns or wellbeing strategies, pairing it with initiatives like workshops or training sessions to reinforce your workplace’s support system.
This guide is a first step, not a final answer, but it can make a meaningful difference. By showing employees that there are resources available and accessible, you’re fostering a culture of openness and care. It helps managers, team leaders, and mental health first aiders feel more confident in supporting their teams, while giving employees the tools to take their first steps toward better mental health.
The West Yorkshire Mental Health Signposting Guide is free to download and share. Visit Thrive in Mind Resources to access your copy and start creating a more supportive workplace today. With this resource, you can begin building a workplace culture where wellbeing is a priority, and no one feels like they have to face mental health challenges alone.