What’s been happening: Murder mystery dinner to Train the Trainer workshops
What’s new: Ripple webpage interceptor
What’s coming up: Competition time for a place on the new Mental Health First Aid for Managers course
What’s been happening?
I hosted a murder mystery party!
Inspired by the book – The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker, which was introduced to me through https://www.sallydayconsultancy.com/sallys-book-club/ – I invited and cooked for a mix of family, friends and people I have met through networking, it was a huge success and lots of fun!
April was a nice steady month, delivering lots of courses, we welcome another 34 people into the MHFAider family
And who knew how much fun we could have with a ball of string! I had the pleasure of delivering a ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop. We thought about what we want our learners to learn and I wanted people to take away some tips on delivering a great workshop through connection with each other. I always take something fun along to workshops… you never know what will be pulled from the ‘Mary Poppins style training bag of mine!
What’s new?
‘Time for Action’ is this year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts on Monday 11th May.
How can you inspire action for our mental fitness next week? Perhaps each day could be themed around the NHS’s campaign, Five Ways to Wellbeing:
Ideas of what this could look like:
On Monday, Give to others: Give your time, sit with them and enjoy a hot drink together, listen and be curious
Keep learning on Tuesday: What have you always wanted to do, learn a new recipe, play the keyboard or learn about a new house plant or language?
Wednesday, take notice: When you’re out and about, look up, see what’s around you, hear the birds, feel the ground beneath your feet, really be attentive and listen to others
On Thursday, be active: Could you add 10 minutes into your day to stretch, walk somewhere instead of using transport, have a standing meeting rather than sitting around a desk?
Connect with others on Friday, such as a bring and share lunch, find out something you don’t know about that person, ask if there is anything you can do to help and support them.
To learn more about this year’s theme, visit the Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week
Share how you’re taking action in your organisation this Mental Health Awareness week.
This is also new; on a recent mental health training course, one of the learners told me about Ripple.
It’s a download you add to your computer or network and it helps transform ‘harmful online searches into a journey of hope’. If specific searches are made, Ripple will direct them to 24/7 mental health support.
What’s coming up?
On Wednesday 13th May, 15:00-15:50 GMT, come and connect with like-minded MHFAiders, wellbeing ambassadors, people managers and the HR team to embed their learning and to bridge the gap with some support, learning and growth. You’ll be able to ask your questions, keep up to date with your learning and development and collaborate with others during our complimentary session. Please register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L830ddIxT-SPtI1VrgtxlA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please note, these sessions are not for medical advice, counseling, or a therapy service.
If you have any questions or queries, please do reach out to me: wendy@garrettlearning.co.uk or Whatsapp: +447859 878 599
We are running a little competition for two complimentary places on the programme.
1) Please nominate a people manager to attend the programme (let them know to keep the dates free in both diaries)
2) In a max of 100 words, state why this person should win, please include their email address.
3) To be in the draw please email wendy@garrettlearning.co.uk by end of play on Friday 15th May
4) The winner will be announced on Monday 18th May. If they win, you win a place too.
Please note, no cash alternative or course dates will be offered. Thank you and good luck 💚
I’ve also been part of Sally’s book club for sometime now, if you’re interested in joining us, these are her upcoming books:
To sign up and find out more, please visit: https://www.sallydayconsultancy.com/sallys-book-club/
Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals. Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning (www.garrettlearning.co.uk ) can help:
Join our complimentary monthly online session for support, growth and guidance
Book a chat with Wendy here: https://scheduler.zoom.us/garrettlearning/1-1-cuppa-and-chat
We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself.
If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!
We are: Supportive – Curious – Welcoming –Encouraging – Straightforward. We are Garrett Learning.
Inside this month’s issue:
What’s been happening: Creating psychological safety in the workplace
What’s new: The new Mental Health First Aid for Managers programme!
What’s coming up: Is itTime for Action? It’s Mental Health Awareness Week is 11th to 17th May 2026
What’s been happening?
I regularly hear the phrase ‘create psychological safety at work’ however what does that mean for the workplace and what should we be thinking about?
Employers should create a comfortable and safe environment where employees can express themselves without fearing negative consequences.
I’m fortunate that during my leadership experience, my line manager encouraged me to take risks, and I felt confident doing so with their support. If the plan wasn’t going in the right direction, I felt safe to ask for help and not be shamed by my mistakes. This approach allowed my creative flow, vision and problem-solving ideas to be aired safely without being ridiculed or judged. It also allowed me to own up to mistakes and feel vulnerable without feeling humiliation, fear of losing my job or receiving a formal warning (yes! That actually happens).
This is why I mentioned feeling ‘fortunate’ at the start of the previous paragraph. Not everyone has had the same experience as me.
These are the Garrett Learning top tips for your people management team to help create psychological safety in your workplace:
1. Share your story. Start small with a selected and trusted group of people during your lunch break. Share a time when something went wrong at work/you messed up. Tell the group how you felt about it and if you learned anything from it. You may encourage others to do the same. We’re all human! Even our leaders of the business.
Reflect and notice how you feel when you do this.
2. Ensure everyone has a voice. The voice may not agree with you however we should all be allowed to express our thoughts, feelings, ideas and opinions without repercussion.
3. If a team member has changed their behaviour (missing deadlines, lateness, absence, not engaging with the team/tasks etc) be curious, create a safe space and ask them what is going on in their world rather than making assumptions and putting them on a Performance Improvement Plan immediately. .
4. As a leader of our business, it’s ok to share your weaknesses, it’s ok to admit when we’re wrong and to apologise for it. This is courageous leadership. Sharing your own faults and flaws will encourage others to do the same without feeling judged. We can learn from each other and play to our strengths.
5. Ensure boundaries are in place. We’re not saying to share absolutely everything about yourself (the workplace can’t always resolve our personal problems – seek professional support for this) however, if we hold a facade, drop this to connect with our people and develop stronger relationships.
If you’re working on developing a culture around psychological safety, share your thoughts and comments with us. Have you thought about workplace coaching for your people managers? If so, I can be the support network for those wanting help and support from someone external to the organisation; it’s a start in the right direction. Want to know more about how we can help you? Please review our coaching package here: https://www.garrettlearning.co.uk/services/coaching/
What’s new?
Garrett Learning are now able to train your people managers in Mental Health First Aid for Managers – This is awesome!
The two-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Managers course is an MHFA England accredited programme designed to help managers confidently support mental health in the workplace.
It equips leaders with the knowledge and practical skills to recognise signs of poor mental health, respond appropriately and guide employees towards professional support.
Your people managers will benefit from and take away:
Greater Confidence: Enables managers to hold sensitive and meaningful conversations about mental health.
Early Intervention: Helps prevent issues from escalating, reducing absenteeism, presenteeism and workplace risk.
Stronger Team Culture: Supports the development of a more inclusive, psychologically safe and supportive working environment.
Practical Skills: Managers learn how to identify early warning signs and triggers, listen effectively and provide calm, non-judgemental support.
Manager-Focused Content: Emphasis on creating an open and supportive culture, supporting employees returning to work and understanding legal and organisational responsibilities around mental health.
Delivery Format: A 16-hour programme delivered either face-to-face or online, using interactive learning, group discussion, activities and real-world case studies.
Action Planning: Training includes a structured Mental Health Action Plan to help managers support individuals experiencing distress or crisis.
The course also plays a key role in reducing stigma and strengthening overall workplace wellbeing.
This course is ideal for line managers, HR professionals and anyone with responsibility for employee wellbeing.
Keep up to date with your learning and development with our complimentary session for MHFAiders, wellbeing ambassadors, people managers and the HR team to embed their learning and to bridge the gap with some support, learning and growth.
We’re having some great chats that could inspire so many others. We’d love you to join us when you can. Join us on the second Wednesday of the month at 15:00 – 15:50 GMT and you’ll be able to register for these via this link: Register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We aim to offer alternate monthly sessions. We’ll either be joined by a guest speaker or have a drop-in session to ask any questions about workplace wellbeing, support for Mental Health First Aiders and wellbeing ambassadors, talk about boundary setting and get curious to learn more and make a difference together. Please note, these sessions are not for medical advice, counseling, or a therapy service.
If you have any questions or queries, please do reach out to me: wendy@garrettlearning.co.uk or Whatsapp: +447859 878 599
Before we know it, it will be Mental Health Awareness Week. 11th to 17th May 2026. This year’s theme is ‘Time for Action’.
It’s those small actions with good intentions that will have a meaningful and lasting effect.
We’d like to share some ideas of what you and your organisation could do to take ‘Time for Action’, with the focus of looking after yourself, someone else and all of us: On a personal and professional level.
For yourself:
The airplane analogy of ‘put your own mask on first’ exists because it rings true for so many. It is so important to look after ourselves before we can safely look after others.
Please take a moment to pause and think about the following questions:
How do you look after yourself?
What is missing from your life right now?
Is there something you can introduce into your life/routine to aid your health and wellbeing?
Self-care looks different for everyone and what we need changes over time. It doesn’t have to be a big and extravagant action; it could be something small and significant. For example:
A 10-minute walk
Drinking your cuppa outside for 5 minutes and listening to the birds
Eating lunch away from your normal place as a change of scenery, can be good for us
Working on a jigsaw
Take some deep breaths
Moving our body in some way
Talking to someone you trust
Watching something you’ve been meaning to watch
Listen to a meditation (I recommend the free app: Insight Timer)
Taking a moment to read before bed instead of scrolling on our phone (guilty of this!)
or simply don’t do anything..
For me, the return of the Formula One season is a perfect example of intentional rest – a slower Sunday, a home-cooked roast, and time to switch off.
What is one thing you can do for yourself this week?
For someone else:
Small actions can have a ripple effect.
Such as taking a moment to check in with a colleague, sending a quick message to a friend and a recent idea I came across in the book ‘Make It Happen’ was to smile at people as you pass them and notice what happens. Often, you’ll receive a smile back and even if you don’t, that small act still matters.
These are all simple but meaningful ways to support others.
I’m also a big advocate of Action for Happiness https://actionforhappiness.org/ who share monthly calendars full of simple daily actions. These encourage us to be more mindful, connected and intentional, whether that’s for ourselves or others.
In workplaces, taking ‘Time for Action’ is about creating a culture where people feel comfortable checking in, speaking up and supporting each other without repercussions. However, for this to happen consistently, employees, especially our People Managers need the confidence and skills to have those conversations.
For all of us:
When we think about workplace wellbeing, action goes beyond awareness days. It’s about creating environments where people feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
One of the most effective ways to start is by bringing people together.
In a previous organisation, I helped form a small wellbeing group made up of people from different departments and backgrounds. We also invited a senior leader to join, which helped us connect ideas with decision-making.
That group didn’t have all the answers – but it didn’t need to.
Together we:
Launched employee wellbeing surveys to understand real needs
Created a clear plan (and secured a budget) for wellbeing initiatives
Introduced Mental Health First Aider training and ongoing support
Raised awareness through internal communications and shared stories
Promoted support services like EAPs and workplace benefits
Identified skills gaps and supported internal development
Delivered training on unconscious bias, diversity & inclusion
Redesigned 1:1 meetings to be more human, open and impactful
What made the difference wasn’t just the initiatives, it was the quality of conversations happening across the organisation.
From awareness to action: What’s next?
Many organisations already care deeply about employee wellbeing. The opportunity now is to take that one step further by focusing on:
Equipping our People Managers
Managers are at the heart of employee experience however many haven’t been trained to handle sensitive or wellbeing-related conversations.
Through management training and coaching, our People Managers can:
Build confidence in having meaningful conversations
Recognise early signs that someone may be struggling
Create psychologically safe team environments
Balance empathy with performance
Embedding wellbeing into everyday culture
Structured Mental Health training programmes from Awareness, to implementing MHFAiders or training to equip our People Managers with an understanding and impact of poor mental health in the workplace will help move organisations from being reactive to support and proactive. Supporting our people at work improves productivity, efficiency and helps to retain our people.
Supporting your wellbeing champions
Wellbeing ambassadors and Mental Health First Aiders play a vital role in supporting your team, however they also need ongoing support.
Regular check-in sessions provide:
A safe space to share experiences and challenges
Continued learning and development
Peer support and fresh ideas
Sustained momentum beyond awareness weeks
At Garrett Learning, we offer this monthly ongoing support as a complimentary service.
Taking ‘Time for Action’ doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It means:
Understanding what’s needed
Starting meaningful conversations
Taking small, intentional steps that builds over time
Whether that’s supporting your people managers, strengthening your wellbeing strategy or creating space for your wellbeing champions to connect, every action contributes to a healthier, more resilient workplace.
At Garrett Learning, we support organisations to turn wellbeing intentions into meaningful action through:
People management training and 1:1 coaching
Workplace mental health and wellbeing programmes, including Mental Health First Aid training
To learn more about this year’s theme, visit the Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week
Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals. Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning (www.garrettlearning.co.uk ) can help:
Join our complimentary monthly online session for support, growth and guidance
Book a chat with Wendy here: https://scheduler.zoom.us/garrettlearning/1-1-cuppa-and-chat
We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself.
If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!
Each month we run a Complimentary online support session for our:
Mental Health First Aiders
Workplace Wellbeing Champions/Mental Health Ambassadors
HR / People Managers
Operations team / L&D team
Sometimes we are joined by a guest speaker, other months it’s a check-in session to:
Learn something new
Check in to see how you’re getting on in your role
Ask any questions
Connect with other like-minded Workplace Wellbeing Champions
On Monday 13th April we will be joined by Claire who will be talking about neurodiverity in the workplace. Come and join us at 13:00-13:50GMT – drop an email to wendy@garrettlearning.co.uk for the zoom link.
From May, the sessions will change to the second Wednesday of the month, you can register for the sessions here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L830ddIxT-SPtI1VrgtxlA
Helen is an incredibly busy lady running two business: Alvechurch Languages and Alvechurch Reki as well as being an area host for the Women Who Business Community who Garrett Learning are honoured to support their area leads with the Mental Health and wellbeing skills. This is what Helen had to share with us about the two-day Mental Health First Aider programme:
Jackie Hudson from Nexo HR has continued to use the training services from Wendy Garrett of Garrett Learning since she established her business in 2020 for the PBSA sector:
Woodie attended the Mental Health First Aid programme to support his role as a Breathwork facilitator and as a walk leader for the CIC Men Walking and Talking group.
Garrett Learning are honoured and proud to support his group, find a walk near you: https://www.menwalkingandtalking.co.uk/
Dawn Cullen, the Development and Quality Manager at Punch Pubs completed the Mental Health First Aider training and this is what she had to say about the training programme:
Rachel is the Business Support Analyst at Punch Pubs and she completed the Two-Day Mental Health First Aider programme with Wendy Garrett at Garrett Learning.
Take a listen to what she had to say about the training:
I attended the two-day MHFAider course this week. I can highly recommend this course for anyone looking to widen their knowledge of mental health. The course content was thorough and comprehensive, tackling sensitive subject matter well. Wendy is an excellent tutor, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Thank you.
Mark Taylor
During the lockdown, we recognised the need for Mental Health First Aiders within our Firm all across the UK. Wendy was flexible, accommodating, and knowledgeable, and when I had to organise 22 members of staff with all different diaries and commitments - she made it feel easy. The course was exactly what we needed and gave great insight and take-home messages for the team that we have continued to embed into our business strategy for employee wellbeing. It offered additional resources and support for the first aiders as and when they feel they need them in the future. Thank you to Wendy for your time and support
Hollie Edmonds
MHA Macintyre Hudson
“This course has definitely improved my confidence and knowledge on responding to
people experiencing mental health issues. I cannot praise Wendy highly enough, she is a fantastic trainer with a very positive and supportive approach that is always relevant to your experience. It was great to do the training with other people from different work environments and to share common challenges and experiences.
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider Adult programme. 18th to 19th April 2023
Wendy was a fantastic tutor. Extremely personable and easy to talk to. This course did not feel like a pass/fail type situation. Everyones's opinions and experiences were valued. I would highly recommend doing this course, both on a personal and professional level. Thank you!
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider Adult programme. 18th to 19th April 2023
Thank you Wendy for a really great afternoon exploring MHFA. I loved the ease of facilitation style and the way I felt confident to say as much or as little as needed. I didn’t feel put upon or any high level of expectation to get involved if I wasn't comfortable. I look forward to using my skills when I can, and telling people about the course!
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider half-day Aware programme. 6th April 2023
I attended a Mental Health First Aider refresher course and found Wendy did an excellent job of highlighting and reinforcing
new and existing skills. It also gave me more confidence to approach and support people who might need help
Charles Smalley
Having completed the full course and the refresher I feel the skills I learned will give me the confidence I need to assist someone if needed. Wendy is an exceptional trainer with vast knowledge and delivers the course with understanding and empathy
Kirsty Culloty
Wendy is a wonderful teacher. She is kind, respectful of everyone, well-informed, and so much fun! We studied a serious and emotive subject and were riveted and engaged throughout. Highly recommended!
Vivienne Ronan
Wendy is a thoughtful, compassionate, and inspiring trainer! I've worked with her as a student and colleague over the past few years. She is a fabulous mental health trainer and I feel lucky to know her.
Michelle Boardman
I attended the two-day MHFAider course this week. I can highly recommend this course for anyone looking to widen their knowledge of mental health. The course content was thorough and comprehensive, tackling sensitive subject matter well. Wendy is an excellent tutor, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Thank you.
Mark Taylor
During the lockdown, we recognised the need for Mental Health First Aiders within our Firm all across the UK. Wendy was flexible, accommodating, and knowledgeable, and when I had to organise 22 members of staff with all different diaries and commitments - she made it feel easy. The course was exactly what we needed and gave great insight and take-home messages for the team that we have continued to embed into our business strategy for employee wellbeing. It offered additional resources and support for the first aiders as and when they feel they need them in the future. Thank you to Wendy for your time and support
Hollie Edmonds
MHA Macintyre Hudson
“This course has definitely improved my confidence and knowledge on responding to
people experiencing mental health issues. I cannot praise Wendy highly enough, she is a fantastic trainer with a very positive and supportive approach that is always relevant to your experience. It was great to do the training with other people from different work environments and to share common challenges and experiences.
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider Adult programme. 18th to 19th April 2023
Wendy was a fantastic tutor. Extremely personable and easy to talk to. This course did not feel like a pass/fail type situation. Everyones's opinions and experiences were valued. I would highly recommend doing this course, both on a personal and professional level. Thank you!
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider Adult programme. 18th to 19th April 2023
Thank you Wendy for a really great afternoon exploring MHFA. I loved the ease of facilitation style and the way I felt confident to say as much or as little as needed. I didn’t feel put upon or any high level of expectation to get involved if I wasn't comfortable. I look forward to using my skills when I can, and telling people about the course!
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider half-day Aware programme. 6th April 2023
I attended a Mental Health First Aider refresher course and found Wendy did an excellent job of highlighting and reinforcing
new and existing skills. It also gave me more confidence to approach and support people who might need help
Charles Smalley
Having completed the full course and the refresher I feel the skills I learned will give me the confidence I need to assist someone if needed. Wendy is an exceptional trainer with vast knowledge and delivers the course with understanding and empathy
Kirsty Culloty
Wendy is a wonderful teacher. She is kind, respectful of everyone, well-informed, and so much fun! We studied a serious and emotive subject and were riveted and engaged throughout. Highly recommended!
Vivienne Ronan
Wendy is a thoughtful, compassionate, and inspiring trainer! I've worked with her as a student and colleague over the past few years. She is a fabulous mental health trainer and I feel lucky to know her.
Michelle Boardman
I attended the two-day MHFAider course this week. I can highly recommend this course for anyone looking to widen their knowledge of mental health. The course content was thorough and comprehensive, tackling sensitive subject matter well. Wendy is an excellent tutor, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Thank you.
