Why it is important we offer StRaW – how could it help others?
StRaW is incredibly useful when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues. It encourages staff to look out for each other, to treat others with compassion when they are struggling. The responsibility for looking out for our colleagues falls to all of us, not just line management, and having StRaW makes that conversation easier. A StRaW Practitioner is there to listen, to show compassion. Just knowing that someone cares enough to say, ‘Hey, I’ve noticed you’re not yourself lately, are you ok? Have you had a chat with StRaW?’, can make that first hurdle of reaching out so much easier. Staff can self-refer, line managers can refer, and concerned colleagues have been known to ask StRaW to reach out and offer support.
What does it involve being a StRaW volunteer?
Being a StRaW volunteer means making myself available to colleagues who might need someone to talk to. Undertaking the outstanding training provided means that feel well-equipped to take someone through a StRaW assessment, and what signposting I can offer to my colleague, to source relevant help and assistance.
Why did you get involved?
I got involved because I am passionate about the wellbeing of Cygnet staff, and an advocate of colleagues looking out for each other. So often it’s the colleagues who work with you day in and day out that can pick up on subtle changes in mood and behaviour, and it’s so important to get the word out there so everyone knows that there is a pathway to follow if you spot something in a colleague that has you concerned for their welfare. We don’t all need to be StRaW Practitioners, but we do need greater awareness of StRaW across the organisation – if you are struggling, you don’t have to go through it alone.