Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation, which encourages friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. 

In this short article we look at some of the ways we support our staff and encourage them to start conversations about their mental health. 

The team at STEPS are fundamental to the recovery journey and positive outcomes of each and every one of our clients. From the reception team who welcome everyone who comes to the facility, to the kitchen team, who prepare nutritious meals and cater to clients individual tastes daily, to our care assistants who provide essential personal care to our residential clients, every single person is dedicated to delivering the best care and experience possible. 

The enthusiasm of the team at STEPS is infectious and they regularly go above and beyond to ensure our clients have the very best experience whilst with us. 

In return, we want to ensure that our team members are happy, and we have established a number of initiatives to encourage positive mental health and support anyone who may be dealing with a mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or stress. 

Mental Health Wellbeing at STEPS 

To encourage conversations around any mental health issues that people may be experiencing, we have introduced ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ onsite at STEPS. These team members are the ‘go-to’ person for people to speak to if they are struggling with their mental health in any way. The Mental Health First Aider will spend time speaking to the person, to help guide them and suggest any relevant help that they may need. 

Social Clubs at STEPS 

Outside of work, our team like to keep themselves busy and have formed a STEPS football team, who meet on Monday nights and ad hoc pub quiz nights and socials. 

Employee Benefits 

All permanent team members, full and part time, who have been part of the STEPS team for at least 6 months will also be able to enjoy the following valuable FREE staff benefits: 

  • Life insurance 
  • Income Protection 
  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
  • Critical illness Insurance

Below is a summary of these benefits: 

Life insurance 

This is 4x basic salary, which is the maximum allowed by HMRC. Any benefit is paid quickly and is usually free of income tax and inheritance tax as it does not form part of the employee’s estate. 

Income Protection 

Anyone off work due to sickness or an accident for a period exceeding the 15 days per rolling year for which permanent team members are entitled to full pay will receive 75% of basic salary for a maximum of 5 years. 

Critical Illness  

Introduced in December 2022, Critical Illness Insurance provides a lump sum tax free benefit in the event of a staff member suffering a critical illness.  

Private Medical Insurance 

We have chosen the most comprehensive type of private medical insurance available, which is known as “Medical History disregarded”. This means that unlike other policy type, pre-existing conditions will be covered, providing the insurers rules and regulations pertaining to claims and chronic conditions are adhered to.    

Every employee is enrolled into our Wellbeing and Employment Assistence Programme, which includes access to a 24/7 mental health helpline which provides a safe space to talk through any challenges that someone may be having, either personal or professional. 

This programme also offers email and live chat and counselling either via phone, online or face-to-face.  

We are currently recruiting for a number of roles at STEPS Rehabilitation, details of which can be found on our ‘Vacancies’ page.