CUE Marketing leads battle against mental ill health in workplace

Manchester-based marketing agency CUE Marketing has become one of the first agencies in the North West to have a qualified mental health first aider on its team.

Managing director Nick Boyle recently completed a course with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England to support a cause which he is personally passionate about.

“Statistics suggest around one-in-four people will experience mental ill health at some point in their life,” he said.

“These are just the recorded instances, so in reality, it’s likely to be much higher.

“No matter what it is, I never want a member of staff here at CUE to feel like work is adding to any challenges they may be facing.

“By being a mental health first aider, hopefully, I can help relieve some of that pressure and provide real first-line support when people need it most.”

According to MHFA England, mental ill health costs UK employers £34.9bn per year in reduced productivity (£21.2bn), sickness and absence (£10.6bn), and turnover of staff (£3.1bn).

While mental health first aiders aren’t qualified to provide therapy or medical help, they are a key first step for those who may be in distress.

Mr Boyle said: “Since I joined, I have been working to make CUE a more enjoyable and rewarding place to work, and becoming a mental health first aider is the next step on that journey.

“I want the staff to feel like they can come to me with any challenge they face – big or small – and know that they will be listened to and helped.”

Jaan Madan, workplace lead for MHFA England, said: “Training the company’s managing director in mental health first aid demonstrates a positive, top-down approach and will ensure that all staff know exactly who to approach for support.”

Cue Marketing also aims to encourage other workplaces in Manchester to take a stand and make mental health a priority.