In a recent conversation with Corina Carney, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Portakabin, she shared insights into the company’s award-winning Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) network and the impact of their ongoing partnership with Everymind at Work.
This collaboration has helped Portakabin develop a comprehensive mental health strategy, providing the tools and support needed to maintain a high-functioning MHFA network. We sat down with Corina to learn more about how the Everymind platform and continuous development have transformed their approach to workplace mental health. This approach has made a tangible difference to the wellbeing of employees and the overall business culture and offers a model for other organisations looking to better their MHFA initiative.
At the heart of the initiative is Corina, who has worked closely with us to develop a structured MHFA network that prioritises both employee care and the wellbeing of the mental health first aiders themselves.
The key numbers
- Portakabin was shortlisted for three awards at the Inside Out Awards, including winning the Mental Health First Aid Award.
- 68 Mental Health First Aiders across the UK and Ireland, empowered and protected through the Everymind Platform.
- Supporting 2,000 total employees at Portakabin with the Everymind partnership.
“It was crucial for us to treat mental health first aiders as signposts, not as mental health professionals. The Everymind platform gave us the tools to create these clear pathways to support.”
– Corina Carney, Health and Wellbeing Specialist
Building the foundation for a safe and ethical MHFA network
Portakabin’s award-winning approach is built on a strong foundation of ethical practice, transparency, and structured processes. One of the early strategies was to ensure that the MHFA role remained a signposting function, not a substitute for professional mental health services. The Everymind platform has been instrumental in helping maintain this clarity by providing structured referral pathways. The platform offers easy access to employee assistance programmes, counselling services, and suicide intervention training for both mental health first aiders and employees, ensuring that those in need are always directed to the appropriate professional help.
Central to the successful functioning of this network has been the role clarity provided through Portakabin’s use of Everymind’s commitment templates. Corina, with the guidance of Everymind, developed a formal document outlining the roles, boundaries, and ethical limitations of the MHFA volunteers. This has ensured that all mental health first aiders are clear about their responsibilities and the limitations of their support, fostering a safe and structured environment for both the volunteers and those they support.
The power of effective recruitment
Recruiting the right individuals to serve as MHFA volunteers is essential to building a strong and effective network. Through its partnership with Everymind, Portakabin has refined a thorough recruitment process. Potential mental health first aiders apply through an internal system that includes an application form, which is then reviewed by line managers and HR business partners. This system ensures that volunteers are chosen based on their understanding of mental health, their ability to maintain personal boundaries, and their capacity to manage the role alongside their other responsibilities.
“We were very deliberate about the recruitment process. It wasn’t just about finding passionate people, but those who could balance their role and still provide proper mental health support,” Corina explained.
Once selected, volunteers sign the principles document developed with Everymind, committing them to upholding the safety and ethical standards of the MHFA programme. This formalised process, supported by Everymind’s resources, has been instrumental in maintaining the quality and consistency of the network.
Maintaining engagement and continuous development
A standout feature of the Portakabin approach has been its commitment to ongoing engagement and development of the MHFA network. This is where the collaboration with Everymind has proven invaluable. Everymind’s platform not only allows for the logging of conversations and tracking of support provided by MHFA volunteers but also offers continuous learning and development opportunities. Regular refresher courses, mental health awareness training, and specialist sessions on topics such as suicide prevention and menopause awareness are all provided to ensure that mental health first aiders are fully equipped to handle the challenges of the role.
Portakabin’s MHFA network is also supported through regular monthly meetings, facilitated by Everymind’s platform. These meetings serve as both a support space for volunteers and an opportunity for further learning, ensuring that mental health first aiders feel connected and supported in their roles. This ongoing engagement has resulted in a highly active and effective network, with volunteers consistently reporting high levels of job satisfaction and confidence in their ability to support colleagues.
“The monthly network meetings have been vital for maintaining engagement. It gives our volunteers a safe space to reflect and share their experiences while learning from each other,” said Corina.
Tracking and measuring impact
Everymind’s conversation logging tool is a cornerstone of the MHFA network’s success. By providing a simple, anonymous way to log each interaction, Portakabin can track the impact of its MHFA volunteers and identify trends or areas where further support may be needed. The platform allows volunteers to note key themes, such as bereavement or anxiety without breaching confidentiality, ensuring that the privacy of individuals is always respected.
Corina reflected on the importance of this feature: “The anonymous data we get from the platform helps us understand where we need to focus more support. It’s incredibly useful for spotting trends and making improvements.”
In addition to providing data insights, the platform offers real-time safeguarding alerts. If a mental health first aider flags a serious concern, such as a safeguarding issue, the platform automatically notifies Corina and senior management. This level of oversight allows the company to act quickly and appropriately, ensuring that both the volunteers and those they support are protected.
Beyond tracking, the platform offers on-demand clinical support for volunteers who may need assistance after particularly challenging conversations. This feature has been critical in maintaining the well-being of the mental health first aiders themselves, recognising that supporting others can sometimes take a personal toll. Volunteers have access to professional counselling and advice whenever they need it, ensuring that they are never left to manage difficult situations alone. Corina explained.
“Knowing that our volunteers have access to professional support whenever they need it has been invaluable. It helps protect their mental health while they support others”
The impact on business culture
The wider business has reaped significant benefits from this partnership. Portakabin’s commitment to supporting the mental health of its employees has created a ripple effect throughout the organisation. By fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and care, the MHFA network has helped to break down the stigma associated with mental health. Employees are now more comfortable seeking support, knowing that there is a structured, safe, and confidential system in place.
“We’ve seen a real shift in the way our employees approach mental health. There’s much more openness and less stigma, which has had a positive impact across the organisation,” said Corina.
This increased engagement with mental health support has had a positive impact on overall employee well-being and morale. Employees feel valued and supported, which has, in turn, contributed to a more productive and positive workplace culture. Senior leadership has also been able to see the tangible benefits of the MHFA network through the data and insights provided by the Everymind platform, reinforcing the value of the programme.
Portakabin’s success with their MHFA network, built in partnership with Everymind, is a testament to the importance of a structured, ethical, and supportive approach to workplace mental health. By investing in the right tools, ongoing training, and a culture of openness, the company has created a sustainable model for mental health support that is not only helping employees but also strengthening the business as a whole.
Key takeaways
- Safety and ethics are essential when implementing an MHFA network, and formalised structures help maintain this standard.
- Clear role profiles and ongoing support ensure that MHFA volunteers are well-prepared and equipped to handle the demands of the role.
- Continuous promotion and engagement across the business keep mental health front of mind, encouraging employees to seek support.
- Tracking and impact measurement through the Everymind platform helps ensure the network is delivering results and meeting the organisation’s needs.
- A whole-organisation approach to mental health, embedded within company culture, is critical to long-term success and engagement.
The collaboration between Portakabin and Everymind at Work continues to evolve, with both parties committed to refining and improving the MHFA network to meet the ever-changing needs of the workforce. This case study demonstrates the profound impact that thoughtful, strategic mental health initiatives can have on both individual well-being and broader business success.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we helped Ibstock prioritise mental health support and staying ahead in the industry, please get in touch here.
