7 WAYS APPRENTICES CAN SUPPORT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

Though mental health should be a priority every day of the year, World Mental Health Day on 10^th October gives us a chance to raise awareness and reflect on our own wellbeing. 

As an apprentice, balancing study, work, and personal life might sometimes feel overwhelming. Struggling with mental health can feel incredibly isolating, but it’s more common than you think, and no one needs to face these issues alone. Fortunately, apprentices within the Liverpool City Region can access excellent local and national support. 

This article will explore some practical ways to look after your mental wellbeing and places where you can turn for help, but if you need help urgently for your mental health in a non-emergency, access NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now.

1. Talk to your apprenticeship provider

Every apprenticeship provider has safeguarding and learner support team members dedicated to student wellbeing. This can be an effective first point of contact, as you can confidentially access support for stress, anxiety, or other wellbeing concerns. Speak to your tutor or skills coach in the first instance. They will signpost you in the right direction if they can’t offer the specialist support themselves. Remember, even if you do not feel at crisis point, it’s better to reach out earlier than later, and you won’t be wasting anyone’s time. 

2. Use your employer’s wellbeing resources

Mental health is being more prioritised by employers, and apprentices are entitled to the same wellbeing support as other employees. Employers commonly provide wellbeing resources such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) for counselling, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programmes, all of which can be great resources for improving your mental health. A good starting point is to speak to your manager or your apprenticeship mentor.

3. Connect with other apprentices

Whilst talking to specialists is an essential step in accessing support, it can also be helpful to speak with those who can relate to your situation. Look for online networks and social media groups of other apprentices to connect with so you feel less isolated. There may even be other apprentices in your workplace.  Even keeping up to date with some of the articles available on the LCR BeMore website can help you realise that you’re not alone, but part of a vast network across the region. 

4. Manage stress and workload

As an apprentice, you’ll be juggling several different areas of your life: deadlines, on-the-job learning, and personal responsibilities. A certain amount of stress is normal for everyone, but it can be managed by taking some practical steps:

• Break down tasks into smaller chunks: this helps large, overwhelming responsibilities seem a bit more manageable. Write down the individual steps you need to take, so you can keep track and clearly see your progress.
• Use a planner to schedule study, work and rest: a great way to feel like you are on top of things and make sure tasks aren’t forgotten, and to schedule in necessary leisure and rest.
• Let people know if workloads pile up and feel unmanageable— feeling overwhelmed is common, so let your manager or skills coach know so they can help. Remember, apprenticeships are learning experiences, and you aren’t expected to know how to manage all your tasks from day one.
• Take breaks— making time to relax and destress is as much a priority as the other aspects of your life. For example, you could try to make time for a walk in nature at lunchtime or plan an after-work activity you enjoy to help reset your mind.

Chloe Birchall, a content creator apprentice at TRS, has a top tip for managing workplace stress. She recommends asking questions. Rather than worrying about something you don’t understand or something you don’t know, just ask a colleague or manager to clarify. Quite often, apprentices feel embarrassed about asking questions, but actually, most managers welcome questions. It shows you want to get things right. Feeling you can ask questions at any time at work can really help reduce anxiety.

5. Don’t forget physical wellbeing

Mental and physical health are equally important and go hand in hand. Lack of regular movement, sufficient sleep, hydration, and balanced meals can negatively affect your mental wellbeing. Especially if your apprenticeship is in a physical trade, make sure to balance your activity with rest and recovery. Exercise can also be a great way to clear the mind, and has been proven to improve mental health. Many leisure centres offer discounted membership for young people across the city region. 

6. Use support platforms

There are organisations, both local and national, which you can reach out to if you feel like extra support is needed in a non-emergency.

• Hub of Hope, created in Liverpool, is a directory of national and local mental health services by postcode.
• Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.
• Young Minds is a platform for young people to access resources and support via text (text YM to 85258 for free, 24/7 support)
• Samaritans for 24/7 free support, call 116 123, or you can utilise one of the other currently available options, such as email, face-to-face discussion, or even writing a letter 

7. Know your rights and speak up

While mental health can be the result of stress and workload build-up, it can also be the result of unfavourable conditions in the workplace. For example, you might be dealing with bullying, harassment or unsafe and unmanageable working conditions. Hopefully, you won’t experience this, but if you do, remember that, as an apprentice, you have the same workplace rights as any other employee. 

If you feel you are dealing with any issues such as these, speak to your tutor or provider’s safeguarding lead. You can also contact Acas (https://www.acas.org.uk), which provides free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules, and best practice, helping you decide the best route to address the issues you are encountering.