How the industry marked World Mental Health Day

In May, EGR spoke to key industry players about their roles in improving employee wellbeing and the importance of developing an understanding and removing the stigma around mental health.

It is now October, one day after World Mental Health Day, and we are back exploring the same themes. And for good reason.

According to data from Samaritans, there were more than 5,000 suicides registered in England for 2021. Even if that rate remained stable in 2022, that means around 14 people a day take their lives in the country.

This is the reality we must come to deal with. The resources are there for those struggling. Companies are shifting their outlook and understanding of the issues concerning mental health. While the Covid-19 pandemic was a harbinger of disaster, the lasting impact of an altered working structure, and putting and emphasis on the personal over the professional, can only be a good thing.

However, the issue persists. The combination of a fraught economic outlook, political instability and general malaise and unease in society paints a difficult picture for those looking ahead to a positive future.

The gambling industry, often dismissed for its previous laddish and harsh atmosphere, is shifting. As EGR explored back in May, the attitudes and schemes being put in place are taking hold.

One might question the need, or indeed relevance, of another piece on mental health in the gambling industry. However, at EGR, we see the need to talk. The need to be open. The need to raise awareness. And the need to shift the dial, once and for all.

Kindred Group

Stockholm-listed Kindred Group used World Mental Health Day to drive home its efforts and awareness to its staff via a range of internal comms.

The operator communicated via its intranet reminding staff of the importance of thinking about what they can do to take care of themselves with some reflections, insights and tips on what to think about.

The group also highlighted who Kindred’s mental health first aiders were, along with a reminder regarding its Employee Assistance Programme.

Elsewhere, Kindred uses its Unibet brand in Sweden to work with the Swedish FA for research projects into mental health throughout the year.

Entain

Entain spent World Mental Health Day promoting its Wellbeing Ignited event for staff, which allowed employees from around the world to share ideas, insights, and practices around prioritising mental health.

The group also welcomed key speakers to share their perspectives on the importance of wellbeing in our lives.

Olympic silver medallist Leon Taylor and Dr. Nicky Taylor, CEO of mental healthcare platform Unmind, spoke to Entain staff during the event.]

Today is World #MentalHealthDay

We welcomed none other than Dr Nick Taylor, CEO of @unmindhq and an Entain partner, as part of our Wellbeing Ignited event, a chance for everyone globally to share ideas, insights, and practices around prioritising mental health.#ItsYourGame pic.twitter.com/syLjORNWkH

— Entain (@EntainGroup) October 10, 2022

LiveScore Group

LiveScore Group will use the occasion to put its 20 trained mental health first aiders front and centre of the firm, with the team sharing tips and advice for their colleagues throughout the week.

The mental health first aid team was established 12 months ago and continue to grow engagement and awareness around mental health, along with providing confidential in the moment support and signposting.

LiveScore Group will also use the week to sign up any future potential mental health first aiders in a recruitment drive.

The firm will also welcome mental health advocate Josh Connolly to the group’s offices this week for a workshop.

Earlier this year, LiveScore Group secured Bronze in the 2022 Mind Wellbeing Index for its efforts around employee wellbeing, which includes a mindfulness group, hybrid working and Friday focus sessions.

Rank Group

Rank Group used World Mental Health Day to kickstart a week-long in-house focus on work-life balance for its employees.

The operator noted it had encouraged employees to share their thoughts around work-life balance, with tips on how to make the most of downtime and avoid burnout.

Later in the week, Rank will host a Families at Rank network group which will look at family-friendly policies and to discuss what support is available to foster a healthy work-life balance.

David Williams, director of public affairs at Rank said: “Throughout the week, we’re rolling out a number of group sessions, prompts and videos to encourage colleagues to review their own work-life balance and to take time to consider what it means, individually, to each of us. We’re taking a good look at what support is available as we try to improve that balance.”

SKS365

Italian operator SKS365 has launched a new mental health awareness campaign that will run for the next three months across four of the operator’s hubs.

Staff in Serbia, Malta, Austria and Italy will be supported with a range of in-person and group learning sessions, on-site professional counselling with expert therapists and nutritional advice.

SKS365 has also launched a hashtag to support is programme, #BREAKTHESTIGMA, in an effort to dismiss the “clichés and stigma related to mental disorders”.

The new scheme will also allow staff to take a half day during the month to support their mental health and establish boundaries between work and their private lives.

Brian Dean, SKS365 chief people officer, said: “BREAKTHESTIGMA is a crucial part of our mental health campaign, whose mission is to raise awareness and tackle all discrimination for those facing mental struggles.

“The Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, tensions in Eurozone and the looming energy crisis have underscored just how critical mental health and wellbeing are for all people. With this initiative, we are going to consolidate and embed our people-oriented approach, which is the very heart of our company culture,” he added.

ComeOn Group

ComeOn Group marked World Mental Health Day with the launch of its new overarching corporate social responsibility programmes ComeOn Cares.

The programme, launched in collaboration with Malta-based NGO Richmond Foundation, will see the operator launch several projects revolving around improving employee mental health.

One of these projects is the new employee assistance programme, which include the Healthy Minds Work, which will see employees receive dedicated mental health support.

ComeOn Group will also be sponsoring various other programmes aimed at supporting the local community’s mental health, including free mental health first aid courses for the public.

Lottoland

Lottoland built on its work during Mental Health Awareness Week in May by launching a series of internal communication to reinforce the tools available to staff.

The Gibraltar-based firm offers a team of fully trained mental health first aiders, access to external counselling sessions and further care services provided by AXA.