Mental health training book now and support available

We are pleased to share a range of upcoming ‘How To’ sessions available to managers and employees over the coming weeks.

These sessions have been designed to provide practical guidance, increase awareness, and support colleagues including, stress management, mental health, Special leave and Pensions.

We encourage you to take advantage of the sessions relevant to you and book a slot using the available booking links below.

• Wednesday 28 October via Microsoft Teams (11am until Noon)
  How To – Manage Stress & Mental Health in the Workplace - sign up now!
  This session will provide line managers a clear overview of mental health and stress, including common mental health conditions, symptoms and the difference between pressure and stress. It outlines potential causes of work-related and personal stress, line managers responsibilities, and the impact stress can have on the employees. It will also highlight relevant HR & Health & Safety guidance and outlines the first steps to take when an employee is experiencing poor mental health or stress or has a related period of sickness absence, providing information on the support available within the Council and external services.
• Wednesday 4 November via Microsoft Teams (11am until Noon)
  ‘How To’ – Tools to Support Stress Management & Mental Health in the Workplace - sign up now!
  This ‘How To’ session helps line managers understand the role of Occupational Health in the context of Mental Health and Stress related concerns, including when and how to make referrals and what to expect from an Occupational Health appointment. The sessions also provides and an overview of the Stress Risk Assessment process, highlighting the importance of completing the Assessment accurately and in a timely manner. A demonstration of completing a form will be included. The session also outlines additional support available within the Council, such as the Employee Assistance Programme and relevant HR policies and guidance on Connects, to help managers effectively manage stress in the workplace.
• Thursday 12 November via Microsoft Teams (11am until Noon)
  'How To' – Special Leave - sign up now!
  Managers may encounter situations where an employee reports sickness absence due to personal or family related reasons. In some circumstances this may be more appropriately supported through the application of Special Leave rather than sickness absence. This ‘How To’ session will help managers recognise when Special Leave may apply, for example, in cases such as emergencies, bereavement or caring responsibilities. There will also be an overview of the Council's Special Leave scheme, info on how to assess requests, common scenarios and how to approach them, considerations for a consistent approach across your team and how to apply for and record Special Leave.

Remember, if you are struggling with your own mental health, support is available.

Check out the LiveWell page and the HR Mental Health in the Workplace Guide on Connects for useful links and sign posting.

Many factors can contribute to a change in our mental wellbeing, and it’s important to know about the support and information that is available to you across North Ayrshire:

• Independent Advocacy Service - helps people speak up for what is important to them in all aspects of their life
• Mental health self-help guides from NHS Inform are available to support you in managing the symptoms of a range of mental health conditions
• NODA provides activities for people in the community facing challenges. This ranges from emotional support and companionship for those in crisis or dying alone, to peer-led wellbeing activities and groups.
• North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College offers educational courses to support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing in shared learning environments in local communities across North Ayrshire
• Penumbra Peers 4 Hope is a peer support service that offers practical and emotional support for patients who are, or have been, known to statutory mental health services
• Penumbra's Self-Harm Support Service can offer practical and emotional support if you’re experiencing self-harm. It offers a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your self-harming behaviours and learn healthy coping strategies
• Shout is a free, text-based service that offers tailored mental health support to people of all ages in the UK - to access the service, text Shout to 85258 to be connected to a trained Shout volunteer
• The Umbrella Project is a free mental health resource based in Irvine, providing therapeutic activity-based support for adults

Published October 26, 2026