We all carry things into work that aren’t necessarily on our to-do list, whether it’s stress about our finances, sleepless nights worrying about elderly parents, the emotional toll of a relationship, or just feeling low for reasons we can’t quite explain. For many employees, these struggles don’t just stay at home but affect focus, motivation, and even physical health at work.

The truth is, most employees want mental health support at work, but many are still afraid to speak up. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), while 90% say mental health care benefits are essential to a positive work culture, fewer than 40% would feel safe bringing concerns to HR. Only 28% would talk to senior leadership.

That’s where Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Talk comes in. This confidential service gives employees a safe, private way to access professional mental health support with no judgment, no cost, no impact on their job. This ensures employers can provide their people with the care they need, when they need it.

Here we’ll explore the features and benefits of Healthy Minds Talk,But first let’s explore a case study.

Jade had worked with the accounts team for over six years. She was always a bit reserved but reliable and great at her job. So when she started arriving late, staying silent during team meetings, and barely touching her lunch, people noticed. One morning, she suddenly burst into tears at her desk. When Claire from HR gently approached her, Jade insisted she was fine. But Claire knew something deeper was going on.

“I just want you to know you don’t have to go through anything alone,” Claire explained. “Our company offers Healthy Minds Talk through Richmond Foundation. You can speak to a professional in a private space for free, and it’s completely confidential. You don’t even need to tell anyone at work if you decide to go. You just need to reach out to the Richmond team directly and they will sort out all the rest.”

A few weeks later, Jade began showing signs of her old self. Claire and the rest of the team never found out what Jade had been going through. But they didn’t need to. Knowing she had the right support, and seeing her bounce back, was enough.

Healthy Minds Talk is Richmond Foundation’s confidential support service for employees of partnered organisations. It’s designed to give people a safe, professional space to talk through whatever’s weighing them down, whether it’s stress from work, personal struggles, or something in between.

Here’s what the service includes:

• Free one-on-one sessions: Employees can speak to a licensed psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, or family therapist at no cost to them, making it easy and accessible for them to find the professional help to suit their needs.
• Fully confidential: If an employee is worried about raising mental health concerns through HR or management, they don’t have to. Employees reach out directly to Richmond Foundation, and nothing is shared unless they choose to give written consent.
• Simple booking: We’ve made the programme as accessible as possible. All employees need to do is call or email Richmond Foundation directly. No need for permission, paperwork, or long wait times.
• Support for all kinds of issues: Employees can reach out to us for any issue, it doesn’t necessarily need to be work related. From burnout and anxiety to grief, relationship stress, or financial worries, everything is valid and welcome.
• Group sessions in times of need: If a team is affected by a sudden traumatic event, like the loss of a colleague, we can also offer group support to help everyone process and heal.
• Legal guidance: Employees also have access to legal advice on issues like discrimination, domestic violence, immigration, and more, so they have the right help for whatever life throws their way.

For Employees:

• Access to quality mental health care without financial burden: Getting professional help can be expensive, but with Healthy Minds Talk, employees don’t need to worry about the cost. It’s completely free for them, so they can prioritise their wellbeing without financial stress.
• Confidence in confidentiality and privacy: No one needs to know they’re reaching out for support, not HR, not their manager. Everything stays between the employee and the professional they speak to, unless they choose otherwise.
• A safe space to offload stress and build healthier coping habits: Whether they’re dealing with burnout, anxiety, or personal challenges, employees get a supportive, non-judgmental space to work through what they’re feeling and learn tools to manage it.
• Support that goes beyond the workplace: Life doesn’t stop at the office door. Healthy Minds Talk helps people navigate both work and personal struggles—from relationship issues to grief—because everything affects how we show up at work.

For Employers:

• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism: When employees feel mentally well, they’re more likely to show up, focus, and perform at their best. This means fewer sick days and better engagement overall.
• Improved productivity and morale: A supported team is a motivated team. Giving staff access to mental health resources shows you care, and that boosts morale and performance.
• Higher employee retention and loyalty: Employees who feel genuinely cared for are far more likely to stay—and to speak positively about your company to others.
• Insightful reporting to guide future support: While all individual sessions are strictly confidential, employers receive anonymised data to understand trends, needs, and how to better support their team moving forward.
• Stronger employer branding: Offering real, professional mental health support sends a clear message about your values as an employer. It helps position your organisation as a progressive, people-first workplace, which is something more top-tier candidates are actively seeking out.

Adding Healthy Minds Talk to your employee benefits isn’t just about checking a wellbeing box, it’s about creating a workplace where people genuinely feel safe, supported, and able to show up as themselves.

At Richmond Foundation, we also make it easy for your company to integrate this programme. We’ll work closely with your team to roll out the service smoothly, helping you communicate it clearly to staff, encourage participation, and ensure HR has everything they need to support it internally. Employees can self-refer directly, with no need for manager approval, and sessions are flexible to fit around their work schedule.

Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier workplace where employee support is just a phone call or email away.

To learn more: Healthy Minds Talk