September 10th marks Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, offering support, and most importantly, changing the narrative around mental health and suicide.

For many of us at Mednet, mental health isn’t just a professional concern—it’s personal. Many of our colleagues have faced mental health challenges or have been touched by the struggles of loved ones. These experiences shape our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where mental wellbeing is a priority, both within our company and in the wider community.

At Mednet, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s why we’ve developed a range of initiatives to support our team’s wellbeing. Our regular Lunch and Learn sessions focus on topics like managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and building resilience, providing valuable tools and insights to help our colleagues look after their mental health. We also offer creative and calming craft and meditation sessions, encouraging employees to take a break and connect with their inner selves in a peaceful, supportive space.

Every employee at Mednet has access to an individual Wellbeing Action Plan, tailored to their personal needs. These plans are designed to help identify triggers, manage stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By prioritising individual needs, we empower our colleagues to take control of their mental health journey.

Beyond our internal initiatives, Mednet is deeply committed to supporting mental health in the wider community. Our partnership with Leeds Mind, a local mental health charity, allows us to make a meaningful impact beyond our office walls. Through fundraising and collaborative projects, we help provide vital services to those in need, including programs that assist individuals with mental health struggles in returning to work. Our work with Leeds Mind embodies our belief that mental health support should be accessible to everyone, and that no one should have to face their struggles alone.

One of our most impactful initiatives is the Men’s Group, a safe and supportive space dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent men from opening up about their mental health. Suicide rates among men remain alarmingly high, often fuelled by stigma, societal expectations, and the misconception that talking about one’s struggles is a sign of weakness. This year’s Suicide Prevention Day theme, Change the Narrative, is a powerful call to action, urging us to challenge these harmful norms and create a culture where men feel comfortable speaking about their mental health.

The Men’s Group provides a platform for men to share their experiences, discuss coping strategies, and offer each other support. By normalising conversations about mental health, we aim to combat the stigma that often surrounds it. Our team share tips on maintaining positive wellbeing and candidly discuss how they manage bad mental health days. These conversations are not just about seeking help; they’re about building a community of understanding and support that empowers men to be open, vulnerable, and authentic.

Changing the narrative around suicide begins with talking openly and honestly. It’s about listening without judgment, offering support, and letting people know they are not alone. At Mednet, we are committed to fostering these conversations and creating safe spaces where mental health is prioritised.

Our dedication to mental health extends beyond our internal culture and into the heart of our work. Through our Patient Centricity framework and Mental Health Uncovered campaign, we ensure that the needs of patients are at the core of every campaign we create. We recognize the often-unmet mental health needs in various therapy areas and strive to provide support that addresses the whole person, not just their physical symptoms. On this Suicide Prevention Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting mental health, changing the narrative, and making a difference for our colleagues, our community, and our patients.

Together, we can create a world where mental health is openly discussed, where support is always available, and where no one feels alone in their struggles.