Guidance for your Health and Wellbeing

Maintaining good mental and physical health is important, both during this pandemic but also afterwards. The GMA is grateful for organisations like Perennial and others for making their resources and links available to GMA members and the wider sector.

Please forward any of the following resources onto your colleagues, staff or anyone you know in the industry who might need help.

Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping everyone who works in horticulture, and their families, when times get tough. Perennial provides free and confidential advice, support and financial assistance to people of all ages working in, or retired from horticulture. This help extends to spouses, partners and children.

During the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic it’s wise to follow all government advice and it’s also natural to be concerned about your own health, your ability to continue working and supporting family members. Perennial is the safety net for people in the horticultural industry, to help individuals working in, or retired from any job involving working with trees, plants, flowers and grass. 

Information will be regularly updated on their website, which you can access here. 

Perennial’s help and support is always free and confidential. Everyone’s challenges are slightly different, so their support is tailored to your specific needs. 

If you would like to speak to someone please call their confidential and free helpline 0800 093 8543 (no cost to you)

You can fill in their online contact form and have someone get in touch when they can by clicking here.

 

Introducing the Big White Wall

In times of increased stress, seeking help and support from others can be a real help. If you are stressed, anxious or need a place to talk - join the online mental health community provided by Big White Wall. It is accessible anytime, anywhere. It’s important to stay connected even when we have to distance ourselves socially. Stay part of a community and access our support network. Access the Big White Wall here.

Sport England's website offers a wide range of resources relating to Covid-19, inlcuding guidance and three funds three funds focusing on a safe return to play and narrowing the inequalities gap in sport and physical activity. You can find their resources by clicking here.

The Mental Health Foundation is a charity that emphasises “prevention is at the heart of our work”. Stress and anxiety are two symptoms of a decline in mental health, says the foundation.

The Mental Health Foundation produces guides highlighting factors relevant to our emotional wellbeing that we may be able to change, including Talking, Keeping Active, Eating well and Drinking alcohol sensibly. Please visit their website for more information.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the mental health equivalent of physical first aid. It gives people the skills and confidence to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and effectively  guide a person towards the right support, be that self-help information, an Employee Assistance Programme or professional services. As a social enterprise, MHFA England offers expert guidance and training, both online and face to face, to support mental health in the workplace and beyond.

Through their training and campaigning, MHFA equip people with the skills they need to support their own and others’ wellbeing.

MHFA offer a range of evidence-based face to face and digital learning, from awareness raising to skill development. Their courses empower people to notice signs of mental ill health, and encourage them to break down barriers, listen in a non-judgemental way, and signpost to support for recovery. 

For more information, please visit their website.