May 16, 2023
Boston Scientific in the UK and Ireland will partner with the charity, Hertfordshire Mind Network, to raise funds and awareness of mental health and well-being strategies to break the stigma and support the local community. A donation of £5,000 has been made to Hertfordshire Mind Network to kickstart the partnership which will run for a year with Boston Scientific.
The collaboration is part of the company’s strategy focusing on work life balance and enhancing organisational culture because employees are passionate about transforming patient outcomes. Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 15th – 21st May and in May, Hertfordshire Mind Network is encouraging people to practice daily mindfulness to be re-energised in looking after their mental health. Recent research from Mind has reported that cost of living and financial difficulties are taking a huge toll on mental health in the aftermath of the pandemic.1 According to a poll of more than 5,000 people in the UK, nearly eight in 10 people (78 %) surveyed have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Operational pressures on the NHS, budget cuts, and poor staff morale is affecting mental wellbeing in healthcare.2 “It is important to have a holistic approach to proactively manage mental health so that we build happy and healthy futures for ourselves, loved ones, and communities,” said Amit Popat, country lead for Boston Scientific UK & Ireland. “Our employees are active in supporting charities and we are delighted to work with Hertfordshire Mind Network to raise awareness and funds for its outreach programme.”
Maintaining good mental health is a prominent theme across Boston Scientific Employee Resource Groups (ERG) in the UK which work on developing diverse and inclusive cultures with mental health first aiders. There is also an ERG focusing on mental health, sponsored by HR Country Lead, Nitesh Vadhwana, and led by site and offsite based employees to reach out to the wider organisation. ERGs and mental health first aiders collaborate on campaigns and resources to support employees to share their lived experiences and suggest ideas to advance Boston Scientific. Other benefits to improve work life balance and mental well-being include flexible working, an Employee Assistance Programme and professional counselling support, and hybrid work modes for our employees.
“We see increasing demand for our work which demonstrates how much availability of mental health services matter,” said Louis Breese, fundraising and engagement manager at Hertfordshire Mind Network. “There needs to be parity between mental and physical health: collaboration with Boston Scientific will help us to share this message wider in our local community and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Hertfordshire Mind Network 3 is the largest charitable provider of mental health services in Hertfordshire, a county in southeast England. It provides 1:1 support, group support, and training with seven established Wellbeing Centres across the county. Adult residents can self-refer themselves to access the services and there is dedicated outreach for 5-18 year olds.