In line with its mental health focus, the sign manufacturer has provided five employees from different areas of the business with an intensive mental health first aid programme.

The idea is that the trained mental health first aiders will be available to support colleagues experiencing any mental health issues.

Astley is one of only six businesses in the North East to have mental health first aiders in place, and also has links to the Mates in Mind charity which aims to raise awareness, address the stigma of poor mental health and improve positive mental wellbeing in the UK construction industry.

“Mental ill-health can affect anyone at any time and is something that as an employer we take very seriously,” says Gavin Redhead, commercial director at Astley.

“We know it can be a taboo subject, something people are often embarrassed or afraid to seek help for, but we want our employees to know that if they need it, help is available from staff who have been specifically trained in this area. We want to remove the stigma which is so wrongly attached to mental health issues.”

Astley employs 145 people at its Team Valley headquarters and also has sites in Glasgow, Leeds and Kettering.

Adrian Black, HSQE manager at Astley adds: “Our mental health support programme is all part of a wider package of wellbeing care offered to staff. It demonstrates the commitment Astley has to the people within the business and the belief they are the most important contributing factor to the continued growth and success of the business.”

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