Running from 10-16th May, all employees took part in Mindful Monday, Talk Tuesday, Wellness Check-In Wednesday, Thankful Thursday and Feedback Friday, where managing director, Jo Breeden (pictured above), spoke about the business’s ongoing wellness plans, including the creation of mental health roles.

He also announced the results of an internal health and wellbeing questionnaire, which found that 81% of respondents are ‘happy’ or ‘love’ what they do, and over 50% saying that the creation of more opportunities to ‘connect and chat’ while working from home had been the most beneficial to their wellbeing.

“Mental Health Awareness Week has provided an occasion to celebrate our triumphs overcoming adversity and explore new mental health strategies for the future,” said Jo.

“But activity should not be confined to a week, it has to be top of the agenda every day of the year.”

Jason Berry, group sales and marketing director at CSF, added: “I would like to thank all the staff at Crystal for being so engaged with all our mental health and awareness activities, both internally and externally. 

“There is a real buzz about what we are doing, and we are even closer as a team; the support for one another is wonderful to see.”

During the Mental Health Awareness Week, CSF also launched its fourth health and wellbeing interview with Paula Purdy, intermediary sales manager for the North at Together.

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In the interview — which is part of CSF’s ongoing mental health and wellbeing campaign — she speaks candidly about single parenting, overcoming grief of losing loved ones and the important role family and friends play when building a successful career.

Paula is one of 12 leading financial service professionals who have agreed to step forward during 2021 to tell their stories, and additionally make themselves available to support individuals who may need someone to talk to about their own difficulties. Contact details are included at the end of each video.

Previous interviews feature Scott Howitt, sales director at Chartwell FS; Andrew Montlake, managing director at Coreco Partners; and Jeremy Duncombe, director of mortgage distribution at Yorkshire Building Society and managing director at Accord.

“I would like to thank Paula for stepping forward to talk so eloquently about her own mental health journey and the issues she has faced in her life,” said Jason.

“As with every other interview, we genuinely hope it helps others in the marketplace.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Mind, the mental health charity which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am - 6pm, Monday – Friday).