In Conversation with our Mental Health Ambassadors

Darren: I’m a Regional Manager looking after multiple services across several sites, including security, cleaning, and catering. 
 
Sarah: I’m a Contract Manager on a large account that covers catering, cleaning, and security. Darren and I work closely together and have a great working relationship. We’ve got busy jobs, but we always find the time to have a laugh together and catch up on family life. 

Darren: It came through a Compass initiative. I’ve faced my own mental health challenges in the past, so I wanted to be that someone my team can turn to for guidance, especially in security where people can be more reluctant to open up in such a male-dominated environment. I think it’s important to be able to relate to the team, share the support available, and make sure those resources are visible. 
  
Sarah: Yes, it was spearheaded by Compass asking people to volunteer. If we're being honest, we’ve all struggled with something, and sometimes we don’t like to show that to the people we work with. A few years ago, I recorded a mental health awareness video on the topic of loneliness. It made me realise how often we see ‘perfect lives’ being portrayed on social media, and how isolating that can be for many people.

Darren: Promoting that supportive culture within our teams where people have the information they need and can openly talk about any issues that may come up.  

Sarah: One of the You Matter posters is about asking twice. There have been situations where our colleagues have been facing challenging circumstances and defaulted to saying, “I’m fine.” It’s about understanding what they need personally. Going beyond ‘how are you’ to ask about their wellbeing specifically and showing them that they have somebody who will listen. We also have Mental Health First Aiders who can provide support when someone is really struggling and needs someone to talk to.

Darren: You Matter is Compass’ mental health awareness campaign. It gives colleagues a QR code linking staff to health and wellbeing support and a helpline that they’re encouraged to call. We’ve got posters up on all our sites too, so it’s easy for everyone to access support if they need it. 
 

Sarah: To add to Darren’s point, security teams often work from cabins without the usual office noticeboards. When Darren became an ambassador, he got mental health noticeboards costed and installed at security sites so the information could be displayed where people work.

Darren: It starts with the training and resources. There are workshops on our e-learning platform covering signs to look for and how to seek support. Managers can also arrange reasonable adjustments like flexible hours or phased returns.  

Sarah: It’s very much down to local teams. Something Darren and I looked at was the idea of the ‘elephant in the room’ - not avoiding those difficult conversations if someone needs help. People can wonder, ‘What should I do? What would I say? What advice should I give?’ and it’s not about giving advice. It’s about listening and encouraging the colleagues we work with to ask the right questions. 

Sarah: Make space to talk. Step away from the laptop for a coffee and chat and ask about life outside of work. It builds trust and helps you support people on a more personal level. On one occasion when a colleague had to take time off, we gave them a welfare package filled with things we knew they liked and that would make them smile. It’s so easy to get swept up in the world of work, so it’s important to remind people that you acknowledge that their families come first. It’s about remembering that behind our business, there are people, and they’re our bread and butter. 
 
Be A Star, Compass’ employee recognition programme, is important from a mental health point of view too. It’s not always about winning a prize but rather letting somebody know that they’ve been publicly recognised and thanked for their contribution.

Darren: I think it’s important to raise that awareness so we can shout about mental health, share our knowledge, and create a more open dialogue.  

Sarah: It resonates with everybody. Maybe it’s someone in your family, a close friend, or you’ve experienced it yourself. It could be that neurodiverse needs aren’t being met, financial pressures are building, or social media is affecting someone’s mental health.  Sometimes we just need a reminder of the impact these challenges can have. And knowing that your employer acknowledges the pressures we face beyond work makes a real difference.