Mental Health &
Wellbeing Policy

1) Purpose

Step Places is committed to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for all employees, volunteers, service users, contractors, and partners. We recognise that mental health is as important as physical health and that a supportive, inclusive, and psychologically safe environment helps individuals thrive personally and professionally.

This policy sets out our commitment to:

• Supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing.

• Preventing discrimination related to mental health conditions.

• Creating a culture of openness, dignity, and respect.

• Providing support and early intervention where possible.

• Promoting healthy working practices and wellbeing initiatives.

• Meeting our legal and ethical responsibilities.

2) Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees.

• Volunteers.

• Trustees and directors.

• Agency workers and contractors.

• Students and interns.

• Anyone engaged in activities on behalf of Step Places.

The policy applies across all Step Places locations, remote working arrangements, and work-related activities.

3) Policy Statement

Step Places believes that:

• Everyone has the right to work and participate in an environment that supports positive mental health and wellbeing.

• Mental health conditions should be treated with understanding, dignity, and confidentiality.

• Early support and open communication can prevent mental health difficulties from escalating.

• Wellbeing is a shared responsibility between the organisation and individuals.

• Discrimination, bullying, harassment, or stigma related to mental health will not be tolerated.

We are committed to fostering a workplace culture where people feel safe speaking about mental health concerns and seeking support without fear of judgement.

4) Definitions

Mental Health

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how people think, feel, and act, and influences how individuals cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing refers to a person’s overall physical, emotional, social, and mental state, including their ability to manage daily life and maintain positive relationships.

5) Roles and Responsibilities

Step Places Management

Management will:

• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

• Ensure this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly.

• Provide appropriate training and support for managers and staff.

• Take reasonable steps to reduce workplace stressors.

• Ensure concerns are handled sensitively and confidentially.

• Encourage healthy work-life balance practices.

• Monitor wellbeing trends and respond appropriately.

Managers and Supervisors

Managers are expected to:

• Lead by example in promoting wellbeing.

• Maintain regular and supportive communication with staff.

• Recognise signs of stress, burnout, or mental ill health.

• Respond sensitively to disclosures or concerns.

• Support reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

• Signpost staff to available support services.

• Address bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour promptly.

Employees and Volunteers

All employees and volunteers are encouraged to:

• Take reasonable care of their own mental health and wellbeing.

• Treat others with respect and compassion.

• Raise concerns early where support may be needed.

• Participate in wellbeing initiatives where appropriate.

• Support a culture free from stigma and discrimination.

6) Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing

Step Places will promote positive wellbeing through:

• Encouraging open conversations about mental health.

• Providing access to well-being resources and information.

• Supporting flexible and healthy working practices where possible.

• Encouraging regular breaks and annual leave usage.

• Promoting work-life balance.

• Offering well-being check-ins and supervision opportunities.

• Providing training and awareness sessions.

• Encouraging peer support and team connection.

Where resources allow, Step Places may also provide:

• Mental health first aid support.

• Employee assistance or counselling services.

• Wellbeing workshops and activities.

• Occupational health referrals.

7) Stress Management

Step Places recognises that prolonged stress can negatively affect mental and physical health. We will aim to:

• Identify workplace stress risks.

• Address unreasonable workloads or demands.

• Encourage realistic deadlines and expectations.

• Promote supportive management practices.

• Respond promptly to concerns relating to stress.

Employees are encouraged to speak with their manager or designated contact if work related stress is affecting their wellbeing.

8) Support for Mental Health Conditions

Step Places will support individuals experiencing mental health difficulties by:

• Listening without judgement.

• Maintaining confidentiality where appropriate.

• Exploring reasonable adjustments.

• Supporting phased returns to work where applicable.

• Considering flexible working arrangements when possible.

• Providing information about available support services.

Examples of reasonable adjustments may include:

• Flexible hours or altered working patterns.

• Temporary workload adjustments.

• Additional supervision or support meetings.

• Changes to work environment or duties.

• Time off for treatment or appointments.

Each situation will be considered individually and sensitively.

9. Confidentiality

Information relating to a person’s mental health will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

Confidential information will only be shared:

• With the individual’s consent, or

• Where there is a legal obligation or safeguarding concern

Records relating to health or wellbeing will be stored securely in line with data protection requirements.

10) Equality and Non-Discrimination

Step Places is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We will not tolerate discrimination, bullying, harassment, victimisation, or unfair treatment related to mental health conditions.

All concerns will be taken seriously and managed in line with relevant organisational

procedures.

11) Safeguarding and Crisis Situations

Where there are concerns that an individual may be at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, Step Places will take appropriate action in line with safeguarding procedures. This may include:

• Contacting emergency services.

• Contacting designated safeguarding leads.

• Encouraging access to urgent medical support.

• Supporting the individual to access crisis services.

In emergencies, immediate safety will take priority.

12) Training and Awareness

Step Places will seek to provide appropriate training and awareness opportunities relating to:

• Mental health awareness.

• Stress management.

• Supportive communication.

• Safeguarding and wellbeing.

• Equality and inclusion.

Managers may receive additional guidance on supporting employee wellbeing and managing mental health conversations.

13) Absence and Return to Work

Where mental health affects attendance or performance, Step Places will manage matters fairly, compassionately, and consistently.

Return-to-work discussions will focus on:

• Identifying support needs.

• Agreeing with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

• Supporting a sustainable return to work.

• Maintaining regular communication.

The organisation will aim to reduce stigma associated with mental health-related absence.

14) Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and compliant with legal and organisational requirements.

Feedback from employees, volunteers, and stakeholders may inform future updates.

15) Related Policies and Procedures

This policy should be read alongside all other Step Places’ policy and procedures.

16) Policy Approval

This policy has been approved by Step Places and will be communicated to all relevant individuals.

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