A MENTAL health charity is adapting its Workplace Wellbeing programme to help businesses and their workers to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

Mind offers the programme to help businesses up skill their employees to understand themselves and each other better and was developed to help strengthen the local economy by building and nurturing emotionally resilient workforces that can perform in challenging times.

Now, with the very real challenge posed by the Coronavirus impacting businesses of every size and all sectors, the Workplace Wellbeing team has adapted its approach to ensure it can continue to deliver services and support businesses when they most need it.

Ruth Watson, workplace wellbeing lead for Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind said: “In what are uncertain times for the local business community it’s never been more important to ensure workers are supported and their wellbeing protected.

"While we are currently unable to offer our usual on site workplace training we can provide businesses with information, signpost them to guidance and deliver online training.

"Given the need to support as many businesses as possible, we have developed a number of cost effective and accessible remote training courses that can be accessed via multiple virtual platforms.

"We’d encourage employers to reach out and find out how we can help them.”

Mind says it is crucial businesses support their staff.

A spokesperson said: "Employers understand they have a duty of care to protect their staff from workplace-induced stress, but with such uncertainty at this current time it’s crucial for them to support their staff to ultimately protect their business.

"By giving employees tools and resources to take care of their own mental wellbeing, businesses will experience improved culture, a more productive workforce while also saving time and money."

Any organisations that would like to learn more about the programme can call 01642 257020 or visit www.middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk/training.

Anyone who is feeling anxious or struggling to cope in light of the Coronavirus can find helpful information here https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

Mind's advice for those working from home:

Ms Watson said: “It’s helpful to develop and keep a routine, even if it’s a new or different one, as this will give your day purpose and structure.

"It’s also important to take proper breaks throughout the day to help you maintain focus. "There is a real need to ensure people working remotely don’t feel isolated and simple steps such as regularly connecting with colleagues via video and telephone calls can make a huge difference to morale.”