As part of our commitment to mental health wellness, RX provides training to Mental Health First Aiders who act as a first line of support for colleagues who are experiencing adverse mental health or emotional distress. We find out more about the initiative and hear from some RXers about the many benefits it brings.  

In February 2023, 12 UK colleagues came together for two days in Richmond to talk about mental health. They were the latest group of RXers to sign up for Mental Health First Aider training – which gives our people the tools and confidence they need to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues amongst their colleagues and guide them to the right support.  

According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest World Mental Health Report, rates of already-common conditions such as depression and anxiety went up by more than 25% in the first year of the pandemic, adding to the nearly one billion people who were already living with a mental disorder.  Deloitte’s 2022 report on mental health estimated that mental ill-health costs UK businesses £56 billion per year, with the proportion of absences attributable to mental health conditions rising to 16% in 2020.  

MHFA England is a social enterprise dedicated to raising awareness of mental health in the workplace and training people in mental health first aid. A recent survey of over 2,000 UK managers conducted by MHFA England found a third (33%) of managers were out of their depth supporting their team with mental health concerns.  

RX’s sister company LexisNexis first began working with MHFA England back in 2018. “Whilst there have been huge steps forward to improve mental health support and create a more open dialogue we still tend to place less importance on our mental health in comparison with our physical health. This means that people may not know how to support a friend, family member or colleague experiencing a mental health issue, or where to go for support with their own mental health,” said Kendall Turner Lennon, Wellbeing Leader, and HR Business Partner. Kendall led the initial MHFA pilots in the UK and is now working to share learnings and resources with RX and the wider LN and RX organisations around the world through our Thrive Wellbeing Programme.   

Among the 12 newly trained Mental Health First Aiders in RX UK is Cara Annett, Security Awareness and Culture Director. Reflecting on her decision to undertake the MHFA training Cara said: “I became a Mental Health First Aider because I want to help bring an end to the stigma people feel about mental health challenges. I have seen friends and family suffer with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicide bereavement, and be impacted by those close to them experiencing self-harm, and anorexia. Most people adapt and recover, but it’s clear that being able to share challenges openly, feel supported and know that others empathise makes a massive difference.”   

Cara works in security, where the constant threat of cyber-attack can make employees vulnerable to burnout and stress. “My manager, Des Massicott, prioritises wellbeing in the team and so I am really keen we spread that to all our colleagues. Openness about mental health challenges and supporting employee wellbeing is good business strategy. It signals a well-run organisation, acknowledging that the success of our business and our customers depends on employees thriving. This is one of the major reasons I’m so happy to have a career in RELX spanning almost two decades!” 

When Corporate Communications Manager Sarah Kitley-Spencer saw the opportunity to become an RX Mental Health First Aider, she had just come back from leave after her mum had passed away and her grandmother shortly before.

As a communicator and brand ambassador for RX, Sarah is keen to ensure that mental health support is well promoted and highlighted within our organisation. “I think it’s amazing that RX is committed to ensuring that everyone in our workplace always has someone compassionate, helpful, and qualified, to turn to at difficult times,” she said.

As well as providing early intervention and crisis, the MHFA’s point RXers to a wider range of resources that can help them to become more resilient, and to recharge their mind at work and in life. 

For example, RELX’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) supports all RX employees in managing work and personal challenges. The programme provides employees with professional counselling to help with a range of topics including relationships, financial and legal matters, emotional support for challenging situations and medical concerns. The helpline is strictly confidential and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

As part of RELX’s goal to create a healthy and happy culture, RX employees also have free access to Headspace a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, offering resources such as storytelling, breathing exercises, and guided meditations on everything from stress to sleep, via a handy app.  

In addition, we have partnered with LexisNexis on the Thrive Wellbeing Programme which enables all of our employees globally to access the Thrive WellbeingHUB. It has a wide range of resources and webinars to engerise your body, recharge your mind, shape your finances and connect with your community, and aims to encourage us all to nurture our wellbeing.  

“Being an event and exhibitions business, relationships and connections are critical to what we do here at RX,” said RX UK’s Human Resources Director, Kevin O’Donoghue.

Maria Tilev, Press & PR Executive

I’ve always had a fascination with people. Over the years, and while helping myself through my own personal trauma and struggles, I became interested in studying human behaviour academically. I hold a CPCAB recognised level 3 counselling and psychotherapy qualification, which means I work within the BACP ethical framework and the rigorous standards that exists to protect the person I am helping.

Continuously working at depth on myself and my mental health has had such a positive impact on my well-being, life, and relationships in general, that I’ve become an advocate for it. I am still on the journey, gradually learning more about myself, picking up life experience - as well as further therapeutic qualifications along the way.

I decided to volunteer as an RX mental health first aider to be available to support those who might like to unpack anything that’s going on in their life. I can offer a secure, fully confidential, and non-judgmental space, where things can be discussed safely. 

We are all used to working to maintain our physical bodies through exercise and healthy eating - so why not look after our mental health in the same way by regularly checking in with ourselves and sounding out our thoughts and feelings with someone we can trust?

John Cooper, Head of Digital Product Propositions

Mental Health can be a difficult topic to talk about for men of all ages, whether we’re struggling in our home life or our work life. I wanted to become a Mental Health First Aider to help break the cycle of pain for any that are men suffering in silence and offer an empathetic approach. I’ve been lucky enough to have quite a long corporate life, and these days I’m a dad to a young son who has some special educational needs (SEN). I understand that it’s very easy to get overwhelmed by everything we need to achieve at home and in work. I hope my colleagues will feel able to reach out if they need help – sometimes we all need to a take step back and find our balance again.

Cara Annett, Security Awareness and Culture Director

I became a Mental Health First Aider because I want to help end the stigma people feel about mental health challenges. Anyone can have a mental health issue, and cases exploded during the pandemic. I have seen friends and family suffer with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicide bereavement, and be impacted by those close to them experiencing self-harm, and anorexia. Most people adapt and recover, but it’s clear that being able to share challenges openly, feel supported and know that others empathise makes a massive difference.

Historically, Technology teams are the not the ones you might expect to talk openly about the emotional world! However, especially in Security, the constant threat of cyber-attack can make employees vulnerable to burnout and stress. My manager, Des Massicott, prioritises wellbeing in the team and so I am really keen we spread that to all our colleagues.

Openness about mental health challenges and supporting employee wellbeing is good business strategy. It signals a well-run organisation, acknowledging the success of the business and its customers depends on employees thriving. This is one of the major reasons I’m so happy to have a career in RELX spanning almost two decades!

Megan Williams, Global Head of Digital Product Propositions

I strongly believe that mental health is as important as physical health, yet often we don't prioritise our mental health or seek out help (I am guilty of this too). Talking about mental health isn't easy, but a conversation has the power to change lives. The Mental Health First Aid course teaches you to listen, reassure and respond even in a crisis - and even potentially stop a crisis from happening. You learn to recognise the warning signs of mental ill health and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping yourself safe. Raising awareness and having mental health first aiders in your business can make a significant difference to your employee's health and wellbeing.

Emma Dengate, Global Health and Safety Manager

Being a Mental Health First Aider is important to me and I hope to be a good advocate for normalising mental health discussions and supporting anyone who needs help.  

I have had experience of postal depression and continued health anxiety around my son. I have been very lucky to have access to CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) which I’ve found has helped. Everyone has mental health and there is absolutely no shame in reaching out for support if you need it.  

“What’s the bravest thing you've ever said?” asked the boy. “Help” said the horse”. Charlie Mackesy  

Muhammad Khan, Event Executive

With the world affected by inflation, economic crisis and inequalities, it is imperative to talk about mental health in 2023. I want to be a listener and to help my fellow colleagues in their time of distress. I strongly believe that listening without judgements and providing a safe space for someone to talk can save lives, and that is why I have decided to join this role. More people die due to suicide in the UK than road accidents.

Sarah Kitley-Spencer, Corporate Communications Manager

When I volunteered for the opportunity to become an RX Mental Health First Aider, I had just come back from leave after my mum had passed away and my grandmother shortly before. While losing them was hard, the amazing support I received from those around me became a catalyst for me to learn more about how to listen to and help others. Enrolling on the MHFA course has enabled me to do so properly and professionally, and to use my skills in the workplace.

We are all reluctant to talk about our personal problems; we all do a good job of ignoring them, but talking about something that is bothering us can also be empowering. It can sometimes open a door you didn’t know existed.

In our industry, we get things done, we put on events, and we have a never ending ‘to do’ list. We therefore tend to file away our problems and not want to bother anyone. Our roles as Mental Health First Aiders is to take time to talk, check in and help where needed and wanted.

Alongside the dedicated support of our Mental Health First Aiders, RX’s Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) offers RXers and their families expert guidance and specialist support on any kind of issue – from everyday matters to more serious wellbeing problems. EAP support helpline is available in complete confidence, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and includes counselling for emotional and psychological support; practical guidance and support on legal, financial, family, and work matters; and online health and wellbeing resources.​​​​​​​ 

 Muhammad Shahzaib Khan, Event Executive, UK

Healthcare plays a crucial role for any person to thrive in their daily life but looking at one aspect of it and stigmatizing the other leaves a hole inside us. Growing up in a culture where mental illness is still a taboo, I wanted to break the barriers and help people around me open up about their emotions. There is negativity in many places and relationships but learning to maintain boundaries is something we all need to understand. Being a man, I have always received messages such as not to show my tears or the part of me that is soft and kind to anyone. It takes a long time to unlearn those lifelong messages but with the support of my partner at home, I want to create an environment where it is safe for my friends and family to open up to me. I also look for the same opportunities at my workplace which give me the motivation to share my growth and failures with my colleagues.

Sanja Golubovic, Marketing Automation Manager, Germany

The pandemic showed me how important it is to take care of your mental health, both professionally and privately. I can say from experience that it can be very difficult to deal with this and to establish the turning point to be able to work on finding yourself again and to learn to love yourself again. This path is highly individual! My biggest helpers have been spiritual practices, such as meditation, but also open communication. What I would like to pass on to colleagues is: take the time you need and share. Communication and interaction with family, friends or colleagues at work can do incredible things. The basic prerequisite is to create a safe space, be it a familiar environment and close circle of people, or even a psychologically safe workplace with trained (management) staff. Together, the path to positive mental health is paved and the mind is freed from burdens.

Masake Hatabe, Manager, International Sales, Japan

Being mindful about mental health is of paramount importance to me both at home and in the workplace. I believe mental health promotes healthy relationships and productivity. Six years ago, I was not in good mental health due to heavy drinking which increased my stress and anxiety. Following my decision to quit drinking my day-to-day health improved and my performance at work stabilized. I have been entrusted with more and more important projects and I feel that I am contributing to the development of the industry through exhibitions. In addition, my second daughter was born last year, and my family of four enjoys a life of constant smiles. I believe that mindfulness leads to personal fulfillment and success, which in turn contributes to the family, the team, the exhibition business, and ultimately, society.

Fallon Prinzivalli, Marketing Director, USA

It's important to me to prioritize my mental health to care for myself and better support my team. When my mental health is at its best, so are my work performance and personal and professional relationships. I prioritize this by taking my annual leave. I force myself to plan ahead, block off my calendar, and even extend work trips for fun. Not only does it allow me to have days where I disconnect – either to explore a new city that feeds my soul or to rest and rejuvenate after standing in a convention center hall for four days straight – but planning them means both myself and my team are set up for success in my absence. I can leave and return to my inbox stress-free. When we’re in crunch time for an event, I tend to get stressed by looming deadlines. I now read for 30 minutes to an hour before work. It’s a hobby I love, but it also helps clear my head and bring down my stress levels so I’m able to perform better during the hours I’m online.

Jake Lowe, Key Account Manager, UK

When I’m not being a key account manager for our Real Estate Division, I’m the frontman in a band called The Point (shameless plug intended). One of the least enjoyable jobs you must do as an unsigned band (I think of it as the equivalent of cold calling) is submitting your music to Spotify playlists for potential featuring. Whilst you rarely get any playlist placements, what you do get is unsolicited feedback! I previously thought I wasn’t half bad at taking criticism, but I’ve now realised I need to allow myself some time and space to process personal feedback as it often negatively affects my headspace. The good news is that after I’ve processed it, I can often laugh at it.

If I’m being a realist, I’d say it’s not always possible to have great (or even good) mental health every day. We’re not perfect, and the world we live and work in certainly isn’t! What I’ve learnt is that being aware of things I find challenging, and knowing why they negatively affect my mental health, has always been the first step in improving it. If we can extend our knowledge and understanding of what might be difficult and challenging for not just ourselves but those around us too, we’ll only be better co-workers, partners, and frontmen!

Carol Tang, HR Manager, China

Mental health is like an invisible guide that helps us to make decisions and choose how we react to everything that happens in work and life, such as coping with stress and maintaining a positive mind. The initial step is to raise self-awareness and pay attention to our thoughts and mind. It’s like the sunshine, water, and fresh air, which are natural and essential to our body, but it’s a kind of self-nurtured magical power only mastered by ourselves. Maintaining mental health can lead us to success in both work and life since it helps us to build relationships and stay resilient and passionate. 

Aurélie Daugé, Campaign Manager, France

Mental health allows us to move forward and face the different stages of life at both a personal and professional level. Our physical well-being also depends on our mental health. In a society which minimizes and stigmatizes mental disorders, we must all train ourselves to look out for each other’s mental health. At RX France, I was able to follow a two-day training in First Aid in Mental Health. It trains first responders to better identify mental health disorders, adopt appropriate behaviours, inform colleagues about available resources, encourage access to appropriate professionals and, in case of a crisis, to act to relay to the most appropriate service. A mental health first aid attendant will often have to intervene several times to listen, reassure and accompany the person concerned to care. But whatever our role or profession, we can all play a part in educating people on mental health and changing perceptions on this critical subject.

Chisato Miyawaki, Senior Manager, Japan

‘Fortune comes in by a merry gate’ is my favourite, Japanese proverb.  It means that laughter and smiles are the keys to happiness.  I love this proverb because I believe smiles have a very strong power.  Seeing my family and team members smile is very important, as this is how I can tell if they are mentally healthy. Even if you're facing a tough situation and it seems like it's the end of the world, try a smile and you will realise that the situation is not so bad after all.  A smiling team is mentally healthy.  A smiling team is strong and successful.  And smiles are contagious – they can make others smile too.