Name
Job title
Lived Experience Executive
Organisation
Westgate & Friends
What are you/your organisation currently focusing on in terms of workplace health and wellbeing?
Developing lived experience-based workplace programs. Mental Health First Aid training.
Speaking for the Black Dog Institute.
What aspect of workplace health and wellbeing does your organisation do well in?
Educating workplaces as to the value of lived experience beyond the traditional role of people “telling their stories”. Having built a successful career while managing bipolar 1, I deliver fresh insights that complement traditional approaches.
What’s your biggest challenge working in workplace health and wellbeing?
A lack of a psychology degree. I fully appreciate the role of researchers and psychologists, but there is room for greater appreciation of the part lived experience has to play.
How does WayAhead Workplaces add value to your organisation’s health and wellbeing program?
I particularly like the diversity of speakers and thoughts WayAhead provides, along with the ability to network with wonderful people.
How do you deal with stress?
I walk my dog.
What are the key issues and considerations for people in workplace health and wellbeing roles?
Encouraging senior people within organisations to be more open about their own mental health experiences. Such openness can be truly inspiring for others and play a major role in engagement and retention of staff.
How do you switch off from work?
I play with my dog and chat with my wife.
What is your best time-saving tip?
To-do-lists, regular breaks, and well organised emails.
What do you think the future of work health and wellness programs look like
Exceptionally promising. Living with mental illness, I have seen significant changes in attitudes and initiatives in the past two-decades. Now, thanks to Covid, there is an even greater focus on the need for effective mental health programs.
