Leading a team means being there for your people, not only when things are going well, but when life takes an unexpected turn. An employee loses a loved one. A colleague begins showing signs of emotional distress. A traumatic incident affects the whole team. These situations can leave managers and HR professionals wanting to do the right thing, while wondering what that actually looks like.

The truth is, you’re not expected to have all the answers. Supporting employee wellbeing doesn’t mean becoming a mental health expert. It means recognising when a situation calls for specialist guidance and knowing where to turn.

So if you want to better equip yourself and your leaders in similar instances the Healthy Minds Consult service is designed to give organisations direct access to Richmond Foundation’s mental health professionals, providing expert advice and practical support whenever workplace wellbeing challenges arise.

Over the years, Richmond Foundation has worked alongside businesses across all kinds of sectors, and Lynn Sammut, Head of Wellbeing Services, has seen firsthand just how differently these situations can unfold.

“I remember one HR manager who called us after a member of her team had experienced a death in the family,” Lynn recalls. “She didn’t know whether to reach out to them directly, whether to say something to the rest of the team, or just wait and see. She just felt stuck. We talked her through it step by step, and honestly, that kind of guidance can change everything for someone in that position.”

It’s not always something as sudden as an accident or a loss, either. “Sometimes it’s quieter than that,” Lynn says. “A manager notices someone’s not quite themselves, they’re withdrawn, maybe missing more days than usual, and they’re not sure if they should say something or if that would be overstepping. We get calls like that a lot, actually.”

And then there’s the longer-term work, she adds, like helping organisations put proper mental health policies in place so they’re not scrambling every time something comes up. “That’s some of the most rewarding work, honestly, because you’re helping build something that lasts and which will affect employees for years to come.”

Whatever the situation, Lynn’s advice is always the same: “Reaching out early really does make all the difference. That’s what Healthy Minds Consult is there for, it gives organisations a direct line to our team whenever they need us.”

Partnering with Richmond Foundation gives you access to experienced mental health professionals who can help you build a healthier, more supportive workplace.

• Access to workplace mental health experts: Gain professional advice from Richmond Foundation’s experienced mental health team whenever you need guidance on employee wellbeing or complex workplace situations.
• Tailored mental health policies: Develop practical policies and procedures that provide a clear framework for supporting employees while helping to foster a positive, psychologically healthy workplace culture.

• Support for HR and leadership teams: Equip managers and HR professionals with the knowledge, practical strategies, and expert guidance needed to respond confidently to workplace mental health challenges and maintain positive employee relationships.
• Building strong wellbeing foundations: Create a sustainable workplace wellbeing programme through leadership commitment, staff training, clearly defined responsibilities, effective policies, and ongoing support for employees.
• Expert guidance during critical situations: Receive timely telephone support from Richmond Foundation’s mental health professionals when dealing with sensitive situations, such as an employee experiencing severe emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, ensuring your team is guided towards the most appropriate response.

Whether you’re looking to build a more proactive approach to workplace wellbeing or need expert guidance through a challenging situation, the Healthy Minds Consult team is here to help.

Get in touch to discuss your organisation’s needs, learn more about our consultancy services, and explore how we can tailor our support to your workplace. Contact us at support@richmond.org.mt to start the conversation.