October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, a reminder that our mental well-being is just as important as our physical well-being. At FAUN Zoeller UK and FAUN Zoeller Fleet Services, we are proud to have trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) across the business.

These colleagues are there to listen, support, and help signpost others to the right resources when they may be struggling. For us, it’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about creating a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and able to be themselves.

To mark the day, we sat down with Chris Stevenson, our QHSE Manager and one of our MHFAs, to learn more about what the role means to him and why mental health in the workplace matters.

Q&A with Chris, Mental Health First Aider

Q: What inspired you to become a Mental Health First Aider?
A: Personal experiences that I had been involved with and witnessed, especially with young people, and a feeling of not being able to help, motivated me to become a Mental Health First Aider. Being trained to help, assist, or even just listen to someone who needs it is something I feel strongly about. So now, rather than sitting back and watching, I can at least let someone know that there is always help available.

Q: What does your role as a Mental Health First Aider involve day-to-day?
A: My day-to-day role changes, but the main part is encouraging people around me to open up, to talk, and to show them that support is available. I also look for early signs in my colleagues. Being trained, I now know things to look out for. As a trained first aider, I carry an app on my mobile phone, The Hub of Hope, which I refer to often and share with the team during conversations. Finally, I hope that people are comfortable talking to me about anything at all, and know they can trust me, and that in a small way this helps.

Q: Why do you think it’s important for organisations like ours to have Mental Health First Aiders?
A: It’s important because it encourages people to open up, talk about things, and understand that everyone goes through difficult times – it’s more common than people think. If the organisation can support people through Mental Health First Aiders and they work well, then people will look at mental health the same way they do physical health. The results of this are obvious to all our well-being.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who might be struggling but isn’t sure how to ask for help?
A: Do not struggle alone. Open up, discuss, and tell people. If it’s not a Mental Health First Aider you talk with, then tell a friend or family member. But please come and talk to us.

Q: How do you look after your own mental wellbeing?
A: We recently presented a mental health wellbeing workshop at FZFS, and I like to practice a few of the things mentioned in the sessions. Open up; don’t bottle things up. I spend quality time with my family, walk my dog Molly daily, and I like to learn new things as often as I can.

Q: What would you like people to know about reaching out to you (or other MHFAs) for support?
A: If you come and talk with me, or any of the other Mental Health First Aiders, we will honestly listen to you. It will be in confidence and private – we aren’t allowed to discuss what we talk about with anyone else. Take your time; there’s no rush, and you will see genuine support come from us, whether that’s just listening or helping you find more focused support from external people.

A message from our CEO

“Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing. As an organisation, we want to make sure that everyone feels supported and knows there’s always someone to talk to. Training as a Mental Health First Aider gave me the tools to listen, support, and signpost people to the help they need, but above all, it’s about showing that we care. I’m proud that we have a growing network of MHFAs across the business, because together we can help break down the stigma and build a workplace where it’s okay to talk about how we’re really doing.”

— Richard Horton, CEO of FZUK

On World Mental Health Day, and every day, we want our colleagues to know that help and support is always available. Whether it’s through our Mental Health First Aiders, a trusted colleague, or professional resources, no one should feel they have to struggle alone.

Together, we are building a culture where conversations about mental health are open, supportive, and without stigma.

If you or someone close to you is struggling, don’t hesitate to talk. You’re not alone. Resources like Mind and Samaritans (116 123) are always there to help.