A LAW firm with offices in Cumbria is training up its staff to be more aware of workplace mental health issues.

Napthens, which operates out of Kendal and Penrith, has put two employees through a mental health awareness training programme led by St John Ambulance, to help them spot the early warning signs.

Laura Holland, HR executive, and Sarah Barnes, head of residential property, qualified as Mental Health First Aiders as part of the law firm’s drive to ensure the business has a positive, healthy working environment for their people.

The course is specifically tailored to help attendees gain a greater awareness of workplace mental health, to help them to detect early symptoms of common mental health illnesses and give them the skills to support their own and others’ positive wellbeing.

According to a study by the Mental Health Foundation over the past year, 74 per cent of the nation have felt so stressed that they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope. In the report, 37 per cent of adults who reported feeling stressed, reported feeling lonely as a result.

Nicola Mason, director of HR at Napthens said: “This is an important initiative for Napthens as we continue to focus on ensuring our people feel supported. It is such an important aspect of the workplace.”