PR agency launches enhanced wellbeing programme, Balance, for employees and signs Time to Change Pledge

Recognising the impact of wellbeing and the need for a supportive and open work environment to challenge mental health stigma has seen the South West’s largest PR agency, Speed, sign the Time to Change pledge, a growing social movement organised by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

Speed is the first PR company in the region to commit to the pledge and has worked with the campaign to develop a 12-month action plan for changing the way people think and act about mental health in the workplace.

Alongside the pledge and to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the company is rolling out its new wellbeing programme, Balance, providing a framework of support including Mental Health First Aiders, enhanced information resources, training and regular activities to support the physical and mental wellbeing of its 50 plus team.

Approximately a third of the UK PR industry - 32% - say they have suffered or been diagnosed with poor mental health at some point in their career according to PR industry body PRCA (higher than the general population figure of 25%). Speed is joining the PRCA in its aim to make the PR workplace a supportive environment where teams can talk openly and comfortably about mental health.

Managing Director of Speed, Kelly Pepworth, said:

“PR is a fast-paced industry managing both the media and digital world, this is what makes its fun but also sometimes pressurised. Not all stress is bad but what we want to achieve is a healthy balance and an environment where people feel they can talk openly about how they are feeling and reach out for support when they need to. The pledge and new programme are a demonstration of our commitment to a healthy work environment and culture with wellbeing at its heart.”

Jo Loughran, Interim Director of Time to Change, said:

“We know it can be hard to talk about mental health, which is why we’re supporting employers to open up; to talk and to listen. Too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless, but with the right support, those of us with mental health problems can recover and have equal opportunities in all areas of life. Everyone’s attitude makes a difference and it’s fantastic to see organisations like Speed taking the lead.”