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  • Friday late with a mate!

    Friday late with a mate!

    There’s something quietly magical about staying out late with your mates on a Friday night. The laughter, the shared stories over greasy chips, the sense that the weekend has really begun. For many, it’s a weekly ritual. But for people supported by social care services, it’s not always so simple.

    Often, those in supported living are expected to be home by 10pm—not because they want to be, but due to staffing constraints and rigid rotas. Nights out are cut short. Plans are made with curfews in mind. But isn’t the freedom to stay out late one of life’s most ordinary pleasures?

    Being a creative collaborator means thinking outside the box and reimagining what support can look like. It’s about working together – with the people we support, with families, and with each other – to try new approaches that make space for spontaneity, fun, and freedom. Whether that’s flexing a rota, finding new community partnerships, or simply asking “why not?” instead of “why?”, creative collaboration helps us break free from limiting assumptions and design support that fits real lives, not the other way around.

    At Options, we believe in the beauty of gloriously ordinary lives. That means helping people do the things most of us take for granted—like catching a late film, dancing to bad 90s pop in a local pub, or getting a kebab at midnight with mates. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to live a full, ordinary life on their terms, not one shaped by shift patterns.

    That’s why we’re working to build support around the lives people want to live, not the other way around. Because ordinary doesn’t mean boring—it means belonging. It means freedom. And sometimes, it just means staying out a little later on a Friday night.

    After all, the best stories rarely start with “I was home by ten.”

  • Value Us! Options Election Statement 2024

    Value Us! Options Election Statement 2024

    The following statement has been compiled by listening to the voices of those involved with Options for Supported Living in the lead up to the General Election 2024. It is intended to support people to engage with the election and choose which political party or local politician they wish to vote for.

    A picture of Sophie holding a cardboard frame showing the my vote my voice campaign hashtag

    We are all people. We are all unique. We all bring value to the world around us and we all have a contribution to make. This is true whether we live with a disability or not.

    We all want to live life to the full. We all want to live in the place we call home, with the people and things we love, in dynamic and inclusive communities doing the things that matter to us. This is true no matter how we access support or local services.

    We want good leadership and a government that values us. We want our voice to be heard and our efforts to be seen. This is true whether we access support, are paid to provide support or simply support our friends and family members.

    We currently feel unseen, unheard and undervalued. We don’t think the current system of social care is working to deliver the lives we want to live. We want to hear more about what each political party will do to improve social care if they were in government.

    Together, we have lots of questions that we would like a new government to answer. If we meet people whilst campaigning, these are questions we’d like to ask. Some of these are big:

    • Why is it that people with disabilities die 20 years younger than those without, and what are you doing about it?
    • How have you listened to us in building your manifesto. How have the voices of those who access support been heard? Have you listened to those who communicate without using words or social media?
    • Why are we struggling to access the healthcare we sometimes need and how will you resolve this?
    • Why are some houses and public buildings still not accessible, and when will accessibility standards include consideration for people with learning disabilities and neuro-diverse conditions?
    • How will you make sure that no-one is living in a hospital setting for any longer than they need to be?
    • Why is it that support work remains one of the lowest paid sectors in our economy, despite the work being highly skilled and much needed?
    • How would you know whether my benefits or pay are enough for me to live on?
    • How will you ensure that our local authorities have enough resources to ensure we can live the lives we want to live?
    • How will you ensure that everyone in our community understand and adequately support people with disabilities and neuro-diversities? What specifically are you doing to support us in schools, in health centres and on public transport?
    • Why are people with disabilities not able to get a job despite wanting one and having the skills to contribute to the workplace. [Mencap show that 26.7% of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment, despite 87% wanting to work]

    We also have some specific questions. These might seem smaller or more local to you, but they are things we have experienced locally that impact on the life we want to live.

    • How will you ensure that I have the right number of support hours that will enable me to do the things I want to do, when I want to do them?
    • Where is your easy-read manifesto?
    • What are you doing to support my access to my local shops, swimming pool, leisure centre, arts class or any other place I like to go.
    • In a cashless society I need support to manage my money safely and an opportunity to pay by cash if needed. How can you support me with this?
    • Why can I not ride on all buses or trains with my wheelchair or mobility scooter? How am I expected to travel to places otherwise.
    • Why do all schools not have reasonable adjustments to support my learning, including quiet spaces.
    • Why am I struggling to get hold of the medicine I need, or the adaptive equipment my Occupational Therapist says I need?
    • Why do I need to wait for such a long time during appointments, in places that make me anxious?
    • How do you make sure that the staff in the places I visit [add your own place] are better informed about adjustments I might need?
    • How many people with disabilities or forms of neurodiversity are in your team?
    • How can I be a leader in my community?
  • Working together to dispel the myths about people with learning disabilities.

    Working together to dispel the myths about people with learning disabilities.

    Throughout this week we have looked at just some of the myths and preconceived ideas that people can have about those with learning disabilities.

    While individual efforts can always make a difference, the collective power of collaboration among organisations is a much needed boost when achieving important goals.

    We continually suggest that by working together, we can help to create a society that embraces and supports individuals with learning disabilities, providing them with equal opportunities and breaking down the barriers they face. But what does this actually mean?

    Sharing Resources and Expertise.

    When organizations come together, they bring their unique resources and expertise to the table. Each organization may have specific strengths, such as research capabilities, advocacy experience, the ability to provide direct support, logistical help or simply the capacity to help with transporting these resources. The list is potentially endless and varied, but by pooling these resources and sharing our expertise, a comprehensive and impactful approach can be developed.

    Amplifying the Message.

    Collaboration creates a united front, enabling organisations to amplify their message. By combining efforts, multiple voices can come together to advocate for change and challenge the stereotypes surrounding learning disabilities. Just like everyone did this week! A collective voice is a louder voice and has the potential to reach many more people.

    Building Stronger Support Networks.

    Working together fosters the creation of stronger support networks for individuals with learning disabilities. Collaboration allows organizations to share best practices, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences. By doing so, they can enhance the quality of their support, improve their understanding of the diverse needs within the learning disability community, and establish a network of experts who can provide guidance and advice. Building such networks helps ensure that individuals with learning disabilities receive the well-rounded support they need and deserve.

    Engaging Multiple Stakeholders.

    Collaboration brings together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community groups. By involving a wide range of stakeholders, the impact of dispelling myths about people with learning disabilities can extend beyond individual organizations, and be far more likely to lead to societal change.

    Inspiring Change and Empowering Individuals.

    Collective efforts to dispel myths about learning disabilities inspire change in the people we support. When individuals with learning disabilities witness the collaboration and support extended by our organisations, it sends a powerful message of validation and encouragement. We all know many people who choose to be part of our organisations at the same time because they know we share values and support them in similar ways. Such collaborative initiatives help break down barriers, encourage self-advocacy, and empower individuals to pursue their goals and aspirations.

    In the journey towards dispelling myths about people with learning disabilities, collaboration among organizations is paramount. By sharing resources, amplifying the message, building support networks, engaging multiple stakeholders, and inspiring change, collective efforts have the potential to create a more inclusive society. It is essential to recognize this power of collaboration and work together to challenge misconceptions, promote accurate information, and advocate for the rights and equal opportunities of individuals with learning disabilities. Together, we can foster a society that celebrates the diverse abilities and contributions of all its members.

  • Challenging Perceptions: Celebrating Organizations Empowering People with Learning Disabilities

    Challenging Perceptions: Celebrating Organizations Empowering People with Learning Disabilities

    Learning Disability Awareness Week is a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements, talents, and potential of individuals with learning disabilities. Throughout this special week, we have been fortunate to collaborate with various exceptional organizations and individuals who have played a pivotal role in challenging misconceptions and breaking down barriers. In this blog post, we would like to give a well-deserved shout-out to some of these remarkable organizations that have made a significant impact on dispelling stereotypes and empowering individuals with learning disabilities to have a genuine presence in their communities.

    Project Art Works.
    One organization that stands out is Project Art Works, which received a nomination for the prestigious Turner Prize in 2021. Through their innovative approach to art and creativity, Project Art Works has showcased the immense talent and unique perspectives of individuals with learning disabilities. Their work not only challenges conventional notions of art but also provides a platform for inclusive artistic expression, promoting greater understanding and appreciation.

    Mencap’s “Myth Busters” Campaign.
    Mencap, a leading organization advocating for people with learning disabilities, has been instrumental in dispelling stereotypes through their impactful “Myth Busters” campaign. By addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the abilities and achievements of individuals with learning disabilities, Mencap has played a crucial role in changing public perceptions. Their ongoing efforts continue to foster a society where everyone is valued and included.

    Mencap Liverpool & Sefton.
    Within the local community, Mencap Liverpool & Sefton has been at the forefront of facilitating collaborative opportunities to challenge myths and misconceptions surrounding people’s abilities. Through their initiatives and partnerships, they have created platforms for individuals with learning disabilities to showcase their talents, skills, and contributions. By promoting inclusivity and understanding, Mencap Liverpool & Sefton has fostered an environment where everyone’s potential can flourish.

    Blue Room Inclusive Arts.
    Another organization that has consistently amazed us is Blue Room Inclusive Arts. Through their inclusive approach to the arts, they have provided individuals with learning disabilities a platform to express themselves creatively. Their commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and perspectives has not only challenged stereotypes but has also fostered a greater appreciation for the unique talents within the learning disability community.

    Happy Times Activity & Yoga Centre.
    Located in Wirral, the Happy Times Activity & Yoga Centre is a beacon of positivity and empowerment for individuals with learning disabilities. By championing positive perceptions and providing a safe and inclusive space, they have created opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social connection. Their dedication to fostering a supportive community contributes to the overall well-being and happiness of those they serve.

    Rotunda.
    Recently, we have begun collaborating with Rotunda, a Liverpool-based organization that shares our mission to support, empower, and enable individuals with learning disabilities. Together, we aim to challenge perceptions and create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through joint initiatives and programs, we hope to inspire positive change and break down barriers faced by individuals with learning disabilities.

    Through collaborations with organizations like Project Art Works, Mencap, Blue Room Inclusive Arts, Happy Times Activity & Yoga Centre, Rotunda, Greenbank Sports Academy, Inclusive Hub, Dutch Farm and many others, we are witnessing the transformative power of empowering individuals with learning disabilities. Let us continue to challenge perceptions, break down barriers, and work together towards a more inclusive and empowered future for all.

  • Myth Busting & Empowering Voices:

    Myth Busting & Empowering Voices:

    People with Learning Disabilities can take charge of their own care.

    Learning Disability Week is an important annual event that aims to challenge misconceptions and this year’s theme, “Myth Busting,” highlights the need to dispel false beliefs and promote understanding.

    One inspiring initiative that embodies this ethos is Project Collective, a collaborative group of like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to making art accessible for people with learning disabilities. In their pursuit to amplify the voices of individuals with learning disabilities, Project Collective created a remarkable piece of art known as the Hospital Gown.

    This blog explores the significance of supporting individuals with learning disabilities to have a platform to have a say in their own care and the incredible impact it can have.

    Art has an exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions. Project Collective recognized this power and harnessed it to raise awareness about the unique needs of individuals with learning disabilities in healthcare settings. Through their Hospital Gown project, they ingeniously used text and images to represent reasonable adjustments that could enhance the hospital experience for people with learning disabilities. By visually expressing these necessary adaptations, they aimed to educate healthcare providers, challenge the status quo, question societal norms and encourage inclusive practices.

    Project Collective’s vision extended beyond the art itself; it encompassed the collaboration of multiple organizations and individuals. Mencap Liverpool and Sefton, Tate Liverpool, Natural Breaks, and Blue Room joined forces to support this transformative project. Through their combined efforts, they not only showcased the Hospital Gown at the prestigious Tate Liverpool but also organized the Project Art Works conference, providing a platform for artists with learning disabilities to share their experiences and perspectives.

    Central to the mission of Project Collective is ensuring that individuals with learning disabilities have a voice in their own care. Too often, people with learning disabilities are excluded from decision-making processes that directly impact their lives. This exclusion can lead to feelings of powerlessness and a lack of control over their healthcare experiences.

    Empowering individuals with learning disabilities to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings has far-reaching benefits. When people are given the opportunity to express their needs, preferences, and concerns, it enables healthcare professionals to provide more person-centred care. This can only be beneficial to those receiving care, but for the wider community in general.

    As we celebrate Learning Disability Week and the theme of Myth Busting, let us remember the importance of promoting the voices of individuals with learning disabilities and working towards a more inclusive society.

    Want to read more about Myth Busting and meet some other Myth Busters? Click HERE

  • Challenging Perceptions & Unveiling the Truth about People with Learning Disabilities

    Challenging Perceptions & Unveiling the Truth about People with Learning Disabilities

    In our society, misconceptions and stereotypes often cloud our understanding of individuals with learning disabilities. These individuals possess unique strengths, talents, capabilities and always have something to contribute to their community, yet their true potential is frequently underestimated due to false perceptions.

    Options’ mission is to “Support, Empower and Enable people with disabilities to live their lives to the full” so it’s essential to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding learning disabilities and explore the profound impact they have on both the individuals themselves and society at large.

    People’s views of those with learning disabilities are often based on preconceived or inherited notions, made worse by their limited knowledge and amount of exposure or familiarity. Society tends to label individuals with learning disabilities as “less capable”, “intellectually challenged”, or worse! Labelling like this, contributes to the negative perception that people with disabilities are somehow inferior to their so called “normal” counterparts. We must recognise that intelligence comes in lots of different forms and can’t just be measured by traditional academic achievements.

    Neurodiversity is essential.

    Neurodiversity is a concept that emphasizes the natural variation of the human brain and challenges the idea of a single “normal” or “ideal” way of thinking. People with learning disabilities represent a vital part of our neurodiverse spectrum, contributing unique perspectives and abilities to our communities. By embracing neurodiversity, we can create a more inclusive society that appreciates the value and potential of everyone involved.

    One of the most significant misconceptions surrounding learning disabilities is the assumption that individuals with these conditions lack talent or ability. However, this perception fails to recognise the hidden strengths that often accompany learning disabilities. Many individuals with learning disabilities exhibit exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, empathy, and resilience. By acknowledging and nurturing these strengths, we can empower individuals to thrive in different environments, such as arts, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

    Learning disabilities present unique challenges, but they should not define a person’s potential for success. Many people with learning disabilities have achieved remarkable accomplishments in various fields. Famous figures such as Coronation Street actor Liam Bairstow, CBeebies presenter George Webster and American Academic Temple Grandin amongst others have all demonstrated that learning disabilities do not limit the ability to make a significant contribution to society. By focusing on strengths, fostering an inclusive environment and crucially, providing real and effective support, individuals with learning disabilities can overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

    Breaking Down Stigmas.

    The stigmas surrounding people with learning disabilities can lead to exclusion, isolation, and a lack of opportunities. By challenging these stigmas where we see them, we can create an environment where individuals with learning disabilities can thrive. Through education, awareness campaigns, and advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their cognitive differences people with learning disabilities can be included.

    It is high time we dispel the false perceptions surrounding individuals with learning disabilities. By recognizing their strengths, difference in neurodiversity, challenging stigmas, and providing the very best person-centred support, we can unlock people’s incredible potential and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.

    Let’s celebrate the unique abilities of individuals with learning disabilities and build a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their cognitive differences.

  • Having A Healthy Diet

    Having A Healthy Diet

    The relationship between our diet and our mental health is complex but eating well can improve your sense of wellbeing and mood.

    Food can sometimes act as a comfort for when we are feeling anxious and in some cases our anxiety can make us not want to eat at all. Some studies suggest that what we eat and drink can affect how we feel but it can be difficult to know what to eat, especially when healthier food can be more expensive and it can be hard to think about our diet when we are struggling with our mental health.

    The relationship between our diet and our mental health is complex but eating well can improve your sense of wellbeing and mood. You don’t have to make big changes to your diet, but see if you can try some of these tips.

    1. Eat regularly – This can stop your blood sugar level from dropping, which can make you feel tired and bad-tempered.
    2. Stay hydrated – Even mild dehydration can affect your mood, energy level and ability to concentrate. Everyone’s needs vary from person to person according to age, time of year, climatic conditions, diet and levels of physical activity. Current UK recommendations are to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid per day.
    3. Eat the right balance of fats – Your brain needs healthy fats to keep working well. They’re found in things such as olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocados, milk and eggs. Avoid trans fats – often found in processed or packaged foods – as they can be bad for your mood and your heart health.
    4. Include more whole grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet. They contain the vitamins and minerals your brain and body need to stay well.
    5. Include some protein with every meal. It contains an amino acid that your brain uses to help regulate your mood.
    6. Look after your gut health. Your gut can reflect how you’re feeling: it can speed up or slow down if you’re stressed. Healthy food for your gut includes fruit, vegetables, beans and probiotics.
    7. Be aware of how caffeine can affect your mood. It can cause sleep problems, especially if you drink it close to bedtime, and some people find it makes them irritable and anxious too. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate.

    What should you Eat?

    Thinking about what to eat can be difficult when you have something playing on your mind, so we have listed a couple of websites that can help you to make good choices and eat well.

    The Eatwell guide on the NHS website has detailed information on how to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

    Mind also has advice around food and mental health – with tips on eating well, and how to manage your mood with food, including foods to avoid if you’re taking certain medications

    Preparing and sharing meals with others.

    Preparing and eating meals with other people has many psychological, social and biological benefits Giving us a sense of rhythm and regularity in our lives, a chance to reflect on the events of the day and an opportunity to feel connected to others.

    Here’s a few tips that can could help.

    • Make the most of mealtimes by setting aside at least one day a week to eat with family or friends.
    • Choose a meal that’s easy to prepare, so it doesn’t become a chore.
    • Share responsibility, so everyone has a different task: doing the shopping, setting the table, cooking, or washing up, for example.

    Preparing meals with others, building a sense of community and improving mental health led to the idea and creation of Options’ Cooking Group in collaboration with  Baytree Cooking Academy

    The participants met up every week to work together to prep and cook a meal which everyone then ate for lunch that day. Creating a community group around the meals they made, meant that everyone learnt new cooking skills, learnt about simple nutrition and healthy eating and had a an opportunity to meet up to socialise and make new friends.

    7 Simple Recipes.

    Taking everything they learnt and with some support, everyone contributed to our 7 Simple Recipes. A recipe booklet which includes healthy and nutritional recipes to try at home and serve as inspiration to prepare meals together and enjoy healthier eating.

    You can have a look for yourself by clicking HERE.

    We also have printed copies available for you if you prefer.

    To get your paper copy, simply call us on 0151 236 0855 or email us at Welcome@optionsempowers.org.uk and tell us your name and address and we will post one out to you.

  • Quality Sleep & Rest

    Quality Sleep & Rest

    If you’re having trouble sleeping, knowing how to sleep better can make a big difference.

    Lack of sleep is known to affect mood and emotional health. People who are plagued with worry often think about their concerns in bed, and this anxiety at night can keep them from falling asleep. The bi-directional relationship means that anxiety and sleep deprivation can be self-reinforcing; worrying causes poor sleep, contributing to greater anxiety and further sleep difficulties.

    How can you improve your sleep?

    If you’re having trouble sleeping, knowing how to sleep better can make a big difference.

    See below for some tips on how to improve your sleep. However, remember different things work for different people, at different times. Only try what you feel comfortable with and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

    Have good sleep routine.

    Having a regular routine helps to improve sleep. Its sometimes-called sleep hygiene. A good sleep routine should include having a set time to start winding down – and having a way to relax is important too. You could try going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day. Or it might help to go to bed only once you feel ready to sleep, but still get up around the same time.

    Relax, unwind and try sleep meditation.

    It’s important to remember that your sleep routine starts before you get into bed, so build in time every evening to relax. Keeping screen use to a minimum, at least an hour before bed. Besides the light disrupting your body clock, games, videos, work emails, and social feeds all conspire to keep your mind active and keep you awake way later than you should be. Make it a habit to sleep with your phone out of reach, if possible. Reading, listening to soft music or a podcast, or sleep meditation can all help if you have trouble sleeping. Try some guided meditation for sleep, such as the progressive muscle relaxation video below.

    Create the right sleep environment.

    It’s important to try and make your sleep area comfortable. Sometimes you might not have control over where you sleep for example if you are staying in temporary accommodation or in hospital. However, there might be small changes you can make to improve your sleep environment. Try a different temperature, light or noise levels to see what works for you. Lots of people find dark, quiet, and cool environments best, but everyone is different. If you find it hard to sleep in complete darkness, try sleep with a side lamp on you could use a mood or night light.

    We have listed a few websites below for you to explore and find more information if you want to.

    NHS – Every Mind Matters – A great NHS based resource with helpful information and practical tips for all this related to sleep.

    The Sleep Charity – The Sleep Charity, incorporating The Sleep Council, provide advice and support to empower the nation to sleep better. We campaign to improve sleep support and access to high quality information, raise awareness of the value of a good night’s sleep and promote understanding around the complexities of sleep.

  • Financial Well-Being

    Financial Well-Being

    Worrying about these things every day means it can be hard to find the time to look after yourself.

    Get support for money worries

    The cost-of-living crisis affects almost everyone. The cost of heating our homes, keeping the lights on and running the washing machine has increased a lot. And the cost of food means that every meal has to be budgeted for and planned in a way we have not seen for decades.

    And of course, the rest of our lives have not stopped. These latest financial worries are on top of our usual stresses around work, family, friends, and our health.

    Worrying about these things every day means it can be hard to find the time to look after yourself – it may feel like you do not have the headspace to take on any more.

    But even when there’s so much going on, it’s important to find time to protect your well-being and mental health.

    Get Help if you are struggling to Manage your Finances

    It can feel overwhelming when bills keep arriving on your doorstep or in your email inbox, and it can be tempting to ignore them. But try not to do this. Deal with them when they arrive – this way they will not play on your mind or lead to bigger worries like fines and penalties for non-payment.

    Most banks, companies and organisations will understand if you get in touch and explain that you’re struggling. If they know your situation, they may help you come up with a manageable payment plan or negotiate another way forward.

    You can speak to your local Citizens Advice if you are worried about paying bills and any debts you may have. They can also advise you on any benefits you may be entitled to that you’re not getting.

    Your local council may also be able to help with emergency loans and grants and the Government’s Help for Households – Get government cost of living support has lots of information about what support is available and advice and tips to help you save money.

    Here at Options we have partnered up with Transform Lives who have provided us with guidance on how to support our financial wellbeing. Transform Lives are an organisation that work in a person-centred approach towards the difficult situations people find themselves in and supports people to have a greater sense of their positivity, possibility and wellness.

    Below we have listed a number of factsheets you can download and popular useful websites you can visit if you need them. Each one has helpful contacts and information in specific areas that may be affecting you.

    Transform Lives Company – An organisation that provides training and coach for people who find themselves in difficult situations.

    The Trussell Trust – A great resource for information on foodbanks in your area and how to access them.

    The Wirral Foodbank – An organisation who can help with food emergencies and information on how to get help.

    Your Local Pantry – A resource which explains what a community pantry is, how they’re different to a food bank and where they are located across the UK.

    Money Saving Expert – An excellent resource for support with all things financial including debt advice with links to other debt support charities.

  • Connect With People.

    Connect With People.

    Connecting with people is crucial for our mental health as humans. We are social beings, and thrive on connections and interactions.

    For many people anxiety can be very isolating and therefore it is important that you reach out to others. Connecting with people can help to reduce anxiety, alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of belonging.

    Spending time with friends and loved ones will reduce that sense of isolation but you can also choose to meet new people through activity groups such as social clubs, sports clubs or peer support groups.

    Sometimes saying what’s worrying you out loud can take away its power over you. So, if you’re able to talk to people about how you feel, it can help to dramatically reduce your anxiety.

    If group activities or clubs aren’t your thing and you don’t feel you can talk to family or friends then please take a minute to watch the video.

    Introducing our Mental Health Champions

    We know that 1 in 4 people will encounter a mental health difficulty at some point, and this will affect all aspects of our life, including work. As we spend so much of our time at work, it is crucial that we have people in our workplace who we feel comfortable talking to about our wellbeing.

    Sometimes it is easier to talk to an understanding peer about stressful or traumatic experiences than to a professional and this can be an invaluable first step in getting the support we need.

    At Options we currently have 6 Mental Health Champions who can offer help and support to staff whilst at the same time promoting mental health awareness across the organisation.

    Our Mental Health Champions our trained to recognise the warning signs of poor mental health and provide a listening ear for staff to safely talk about their mental health.

    Staff often report not knowing who to talk to about their mental health at work, as many fear judgement or bad treatment. With our Mental Health Champions in place, this doubt is removed and will help individuals get the support they need.

    So, who are they?

    How to get in touch with your Mental health champions.

    • Call – 0151 236 0855 and ask to speak to Amy or Layla from HR.

    How does it work?

    Your HR advisor can either signpost you to one of our champions directly or you can choose for yourself who you feel will be best for you to talk to.

    All your calls, emails or queries are strictly confidential and only dealt with by HR.