The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is loneliness, a topic that's had a huge impact on our mental and physical wellbeing, even more so as a result of the pandemic.

This week aims to raise awareness of the impact loneliness has on our mental wellbeing and the practical steps we can take to address it. We’ve sat down with our two new Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) to see how they look after their own wellbeing and why they wanted to join our team of MFHA’s.

Lynsey Higgins, Business Support Manager 

What's your role within gap?
I have several hats within gap! I work with facilities, property management, fleet management and event management.

Tell me about who you are outside of work?
Outside of work I support vulnerable adults with learning disabilities at weekends. I love interior design as well as cooking and I have two very spoilt fur babes (my cats) Emmy and Mae. I’ve also just taken up walking when I recently joined our company fundraiser, ‘5000km to Kyiv and back!’

Why did you want to become a Mental Health First Aider?
I’ve got an interest and empathy towards mental health, and I want to support people through difficult times using the correct techniques.

The last two years have been unlike any other, what have you done to support your wellbeing?
I’ve found helping others has helped me with my own wellbeing, and being open and talking to family and friends.

What tips would you recommend that you have implemented either personally or within your work life to support wellbeing?

• Take regular break
• Reach out for support
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Damian Burdin, Branch Manager 

Who are you, what do you do within gap?
I am the Stoke Branch Manager and have experience in recruitment and training.

Tell me about who you are outside of work?
I’m the dad of two boys. My eldest is at Falmouth University and my youngest at high school.

Why did you want to become a Mental Health First Aider?
To make a difference and raise awareness! Many people struggle and suffer with their Mental Health, and having more accessible support is a positive step forward.

The last two years have been unlike any other, what have you done to support your wellbeing?
Regular walks in the countryside and having regular check-in calls, visits and texts with family and friends.

What tips would you recommend that you have implemented either personally or within your work life to support wellbeing?
The biggest help for me has been to get out and walk, watching the seasons change and nature come alive has been a real joy. To be open and honest, if your struggling talk to someone, you can never underestimate the impact that conversation might have.

40 is the new 30! 50 is the new 40! 60 is the new 50 and 70 is the new 60! What has inspired me to write this article is the number of people we get calling our office daily,

So today marks the 10-year anniversary of Vicky walking in to the Living room, interrupting my Call Of Duty marathon, flinging a laptop at me and forcing me to help her with her then new venture of Health & Social Care Jobs!!!