A CHESHIRE leisure firm has been making sure its staff are fully fit, both physically and mentally, as they return to work following the long lockdown.

Over the past couple weeks, the Brio Leisure team have been taking part in mental health first aid training to help support its teams as everyone returns to work.

The sessions have all been conducted by Jeff Nield, a leisure attendant, swim teacher and trainer assessor based in Northwich Memorial Court.

There are three levels to this training, ranging from a basic awareness and understanding of what mental health is, to learning an in-depth action plan so people recognise when someone may be a risk to themselves or others.

This level of training equips people with the knowledge and tools to enter a situation to help the person access the support they need.

With staff returning from furlough and Covid-19 restrictions still in place, Brio said it was really important for managers to help staff who may be more vulnerable at the moment.

Mark Swaffield, facility manager at Christleton Sports Centre and Frodsham Leisure Centre, said: “The course was a real eye opener and a great insight into mental health, whilst showing how we can support each other without judgment.

"Everyone is effected by mental health in one way or another and the only way we are going to be more aware of this is by doing training and talking about ways in which we can help.”

One of the main goals from holding these sessions is to eradicate mental health stigma in the workplace. Throughout the pandemic, staff knew where they could go for support if they felt they were struggling, such as to their line manager who kept in touch regularly or by using Brio's Employee Assistance Programme. Activities such as virtual coffee mornings and staff exercise sessions were held on Zoom.

All of the courses are developed by Nuco, who offer instructor training on topics ranging from mental health to first aid and are held in a safe environment where people are able to talk about the topics raised at a level which is comfortable for them.