At Westward Care, it's not only the mental and emotional health of our residents that we care about - ensuring the mental wellbeing of our staff is a big priority for us, too. That's why we've made a pledge to join the Mindful Employer initiative, as supported by the Leeds-based mental health charity Leeds Mind.

Practised by businesses across Leeds since its establishment in 2013, the Mindful Employer initiative is designed to promote good mental health in the workplace. Over 400 local employers are now part of the Leeds Mindful Employer Network, with Westward Care just the latest to sign up.

Though we already encourage staff breaks and provide quiet areas for staff to rest and reflect, and though Westward Care staff have already received some mental health awareness training, we will go further. Over the coming 24-month period, we aim to embed the ten-step Mindful Employer charter within daily practices across all Westward Care locations.

This will mean having the ten-step charter as a fixed agenda item in our planned upcoming bi-monthly leadership meetings, with one step addressed per meeting; holding shared meetings with property partners to ensure the working environment for staff is clean, and that facilities such as showers, lockers and hygiene resources are available; introducing support mechanisms for staff members experiencing menopause; and making a general concerted effort to destigmatise mental health for all employees, including those part of high risk targeted groups such as the LGBTQ community.

We will also connect with Leeds Girl Can regarding their Mbrace campaign, which supports women navigating the different stages of menopause, and follow the examples set by male mental health support initiatives like Andy's Man Club for our male employees. Going forward, we hope these changes and more will make working for Westward Care even more rewarding and inclusive.