The mental health of 81% of care staff in the UK has been affected by their work environment, according to the National Association of Care and Support Workers; a high percentage that inevitably impacts on staff recruitment, retention, and work quality.

For us at Askham, this translates to a potential 160 members of our workforce struggling with their mental health as a result of their experience at work. As employers, it is our responsibility to do everything we can to address this. This is why we have made Positive Behaviour Support training mandatory for all staff. This training emphasises that self-care is as important, if not more important, than the care of others. By looking after our own mental health, we are more able to effectively support and understand the mental health of our residents in turn.

Prioritising staff wellbeing is the cornerstone of our recruitment and retention strategies at Askham. We are heavily investing in support structures for staff, including having an on site counsellor for staff drop-ins as well as training up mental health first aiders.

Text written by Aliyyah-Begum Nasser, Director at Askham Village Community. Askham Village Community is a specialist rehabilitation and care community situated on the edge of Doddington, between Peterborough and Cambridge. A family business of over 30 years, it provides specialist care and rehab for the very young to the elderly, offering day visits, respite or long-term care, goal-focused rehabilitation, and continuing reablement support.