Doing Mind Hike for my colleague

My family, friends and colleagues were a little taken aback by my announcement that I wanted to walk 40 miles in 24 hours across the challenging terrain of Offa’s Dyke. What on earth prompted me to take on this endeavour?

Well, I’ll let you know how my journey began…

"One of the reasons why Mind is so close to our hearts..."

I work for Skanska UK’s HR team. I was appointed community representative for our department and one of our tasks was to choose a charity to help fundraise for. We held a staff vote to select the charity we felt we could best support, and our staff ended up choosing Mind.

One of the reasons why Mind is so close to our hearts is because, very sadly one of our senior colleagues took his own life two years ago. This had a big impact on all those who knew him. He was a hugely liked and respected member of HR and is sorely missed both personally and professionally.

"One of our senior colleagues took his own life two years ago. This had a big impact on all those who knew him."

Since his death, encouraging general wellbeing has been really important to us. In particular promoting positive mental health in our workplace. We believe that it’s essential to work in an environment where the employees’ health and safety is paramount.

We recently launched a mental health ambassador’s programme to support this. Representatives across Skanska now act as touch points for employees who want to know more about supporting colleagues with mental health issues or who need support themselves. 

"Encouraging general wellbeing has been really important to us."

So that’s why I’m taking on this trek. I’m walking for our colleague as well as everyone else who struggles with their mental health – hoping to raise funds to help this brilliant cause. 

Wish us luck, fair weather and not too many blisters!