Mental Health Focus: UKISUG partners with Thrive to support members throughout 2021

Although it has been great news to see the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, there is no denying that many of us been affected by the pandemic and the associated mental health challenges whilst working from home.

Last year, we hosted seven mental health sessions with ‘Thrive’ to support our members. These sessions covered topics such as stress and resilience, the importance of mental health, anxiety reduction, mental health whilst working from home, and mindfulness. Given their popularity, and with mental health remaining a real challenge for many, we have partnered with Thrive to put in place a full program of sessions throughout 2021. And, as working from home looks like it’s here to stay, now is a good time to learn how to manage it. All UKISUG members are free to attend as part of their annual membership.

If you haven’t heard of Thrive, it was formed in 2019 by Simon Nichols. After spending 26 years in corporate IT sales and marketing, Simon realised the time was right to pursue his passion in helping people to manage their mental health better, and to help recognise poor mental health in others. Using the skills gained during his time at the large multi-nationals in senior management positions, Simon has a unique insight into how organisations and management treat mental ill health. He is also an SAP affiliate member and Thrive has partnered closely with UKISUG since its inception.

Simon will be running 1-2 sessions with us a month, focussing on mental health whilst working from home. The sessions are designed to be interactive, but those taking part will be able to contribute as little or as much as they want. The talks will cover a variety of topics, including daily routines and some of the ways we can work more healthily, through to effective setups for working from home, and how small changes can make a big difference to mental health. Most importantly, we want members to drive the content focuses throughout the year.

In addition, we are running a permanent offer for UKISUG members to train to become mental health first aiders. On the course, you will learn empathy, the ability and qualities needed to be a good listener, and a process to help out in a potential mental health crisis – alongside a wealth of knowledge and resources enabling you to signpost to the right professional help.

Lastly, if you haven’t subscribed to our new podcast, SUGTalks, make sure you check out episodes two and three, where Simon joins Paul Cooper and Lindsey Rowe to discuss home working, wellbeing and positivity.

For further details on our mental health sessions, please visit https://www.sapusers.org/events.