Prevention Through Connection

04/01/2024

This is perhaps my proudest moment since embarking on my new career.

If you have read my feed over the years you will know my approach to Mental Health in the Workplace and Society is not conventional.

Thank you to Dan Lever and Jamie Thompson for choosing Prevention Through Connection as Cheshire Police Federation’s partner in revolutionising their Mental Health in the Workplace strategy.

Please watch this space, as together we are going to demonstrate that when Mental Health is approached with prevention as its lead strategy, better outcomes are achieved for our colleagues and businesses.

Take a listen to the podcast, it may spark you interest, if so join the revolution and DM me today to discuss a new and effective approach to Mental Health in the Workplace.

This episode explores the power of personal connection, and identifies how that can be applied practically to assist police officers.

03/01/2024

Elvis Presley spoke these words in 1956, and today, I've translated them into my own reality.

"My voice in Mental Health in the Workplace is just an ordinary voice. What people hire me for is to listen to how I use it. If I fail to be authentic....I'm dead. I might as well go back to the motor trade."

If you are seeking solutions and promoting awareness, consider an alternative approach. Prevention is the cornerstone of enhancing personal and societal mental health and well-being. It requires intentionality and proactive measures of human connection, such as , rather than reactive or passive actions.

Let's pledge to make 2024 a year where we wholeheartedly embrace mental health in the workplace and society.

15/11/2023

“BE CURIOUS ALWAYS!, FOR KNOWLEDGE WILL NOT ACQUIRE YOU: YOU MUST ACQUIRE IT.”

In 2023 I have heard people who die by su***de described as evil and selfish. I have also had people say words such as " how could they do that to their children?"

At what point are we going to show compassion and empathy not only to the person we have lost, but for those who are left behind and are subjected to unwise, misjudged and uneducated drivel.

People who experience su***de are quite simply ill, yes ill. They may not have cancer, had a heart attack or a stroke, they are living with an illness that is often hidden, taking them from a place of safety and self appreciation, to a place of crisis and worthlessness.

Now you may be reading this and getting angry about the people who see those most in need in this way, please don't be. Instead it is better to acknowledge that a wise and educated mind on the topic of Mental Health would not use such vocabulary, so use this is an opportunity to encourage them to become knowledgeable.

In a week where kindness is a world awareness day, be kind not only to those in crisis, but to those who lack wisdom also.

"The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to healing the world". Marianne Williamson - American Author

I hope you are having a fulfilling Wednesday.

10/11/2023

I am delighted to announce I will be hosting and presenting my "Becoming Me Again" webinar for International Men's Day on teh 20th November 2023 at 1230.

To learn more and to book your place follow the link below....

Join me for an intimate discussion for International Men's Day. For more information take a look at the brochure below.

29/09/2023

Whilst men’s mental health is becoming something that people are talking about more, there is still a huge stigma surrounding it.

Su***de is still the number one killer of men under 45 in the UK.*

There is still so far to go, but what can we do to help?
The way I see it, there are two main ways we need to tackle this problem.

1. We need to start having more open conversations about mental health and reducing the stigma when it comes to men struggling and needing to take time for self-care.
2. We need to start looking out for the warning signs and really start to implement ‘Feel, See, Listen’ in our day-to-day lives so we can prevent men from reaching the point of seeing su***de as their only option.

The more people who are educated about mental health, the more people will be comfortable implementing the above and helping their community work towards a solution and hopefully, one day, a fix for this growing problem.

How can you help support?

* https://www.rehabguide.co.uk/why-are-men-in-the-uk-committing-su***de/

25/09/2023

How are you feeling today?

If you’re not feeling great, what if I told you next Monday you could start your week off brimming with positivity and have worked on your self-care?

And one better … it’s free!

If you feel like my online self-care group on a Monday would help set you up for a great week ahead, why not head to the link below to sign up for next week? We would love to have you join us.

https://preventionthroughconnection.co.uk/book-a-course/ola/services/self-care-workshop-1

23/09/2023

Setting healthy boundaries is extremely difficult for a lot of people.

We all know it shouldn’t be. In an ideal world, people wouldn’t take advantage, but sadly this isn’t the case.

So how do we do it?

My favourite tip, when I have identified a situation or person that doesn’t work for me, is to remove myself from the situation and take some time to think of what is best for me and what is the best way to get that point across.

Let me give you an example!

A long-term client starts to call outside work hours.

This is one I’m sure a lot of self-employed people must deal with.

The first time it happens, I don’t pick up and gently remind them the following day of my work hours.

It happens again. This time it’s followed up by a message demanding that it is urgent and that I must reply.

Again, I have set the clear boundary and it is not being followed. I call them in the morning to remind them that I have set working hours and will only be available within these times. They are more than welcome to send me an email that I can pick up in the morning, but I will not be doing any physical work or communication out of hours.

Finally, if it happens again, I wait until the morning again and politely tell them that they have breached my boundaries and our working relationship will be terminated.

It isn’t to say I am not angry or upset at the client when they persist with ignoring my boundaries, or that I’m not frustrated I have to let them go. I have just learnt that entering into the conversation in that moment isn’t always the best way to go about things to get the best outcome.

What is your best tip for setting healthy boundaries? This could be with clients, colleagues or even family members.

19/09/2023

Today is Youth Mental Health Awareness Day.

Sadly, poor mental health is becoming more prevalent in our youth. I put this down to a number of factors, but I often find myself coming back to social media and how it can impact the way young people think of themselves and others.

With my kids, I understand it is not possible to completely keep them away from social media platforms, but I do make sure to monitor what they look at frequently. I also try to limit the time they spend on devices and make sure they are getting out in the fresh air and forming real connections.

How do you manage mental health and self-care with your kids? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

12/09/2023

Having children can affect your mental health.

Yes, we all know and agree that our kids are extremely important to us, and we love them with every fibre of our being. This isn’t being called into question.

What you should be able to comment on as parents is how being a parent can affect your mental health through lack of sleep, worrying, stress and a million other emotions we are put through when we have them.

It often feels like there is a taboo when it comes to kids, that we are not allowed to feel overwhelmed, but this needs to change so parents are able to better manage their mental health along the way.

What is your experience with your mental health as a parent? Let us know in the comments below.

09/09/2023

I think it’s about time I shared a bit more about myself!
I’m David.

A lot of you may know I was once suicidal. I don’t feel like that anymore, but it has taken a huge amount of work and self-care to reach the point where I can say that.

There are a lot of things in my life that I can say bring me real happiness, so I thought I would share a few of them with you so you can learn a bit more about me.

1. I love my family and spending time with my kids.
2. I have a dog who gets me outside in the fresh air and walking.
3. I am an Elvis impersonator (you better believe it!).
4. I love connecting with others and supporting people in their mental health journey.

Now that I’ve shared with you, I’d love to know something about you in the comments below!