April is National Stress Awareness Month, which is an annual event that has been observed every year since 1992. The Stress Management Society who lead on this initiative, aim to help individuals and organisations recognise and reduce stress to foster happier, healthier, and more resilient lives.
North Yorkshire Youth (NYY) has reflected upon their own efforts in supporting staff with managing stress, through building resilience and developing a sense of mutual support amongst the team. NYY recognise that this is important in managing stressful roles, both in work and in everyone’s personal lives. A key attribute in this is the genuine care staff show for one another, which is supported and encouraged by providing regular opportunities for staff to connect with others and share worries and concerns. This is helpful in providing space to offload and to work through life’s daily ups and downs.
NYY also encourages staff to practice self-care whenever they can. A monthly wellbeing bulletin provides top tips and advice on ways to do this, as well as recognising staff for their special efforts and achievements. NYY are also excited to be working on a new wellbeing initiative, which will enable staff to put dedicated time aside as part of their working week, to focus solely on self-care and connecting with others.
Life’s challenges are inevitable, and so NYY will continue to encourage open conversations with staff about stress and will provide resources and support to help. To find out more about this year’s Stress Awareness Month campaign #LeadWithLove, and how it can support you and your organisation, please click here.