Workplace mental health in the UK 'in a good spot'

Barry Crisp says he helps bosses create a "more thriving and happy workplace"

The co-founder of a mental health consultancy says the UK is "doing very well" for wellbeing in the workplace.

Barry Crisp was speaking ahead of BBC Radio Northampton's Headfest event on 25 October at the town's university.

Headfest will bring together experts, organisations and mental health champions to offer advice and support.

Mr Crisp said the UK "has a very robust system" of workplace wellbeing initiatives.

In 2012, Mr Crisp got together with a fellow lecturer at the University of Northampton and a social entrepreneur from Germany to form the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces.

He said: "We started to create this initiative that focussed on healthy workplaces and how we could support companies to develop healthy workplace programme initiatives, so they can look after their employees and have a more thriving and happy workplace."

Among the centre's initiatives is an awards scheme to encourage firms to benchmark themselves to a global standard and celebrate best practice.

He said: "Each year, we invite applications from companies that have a healthy workplace programme. We go through their programme - we have an expert panel of judges from around the world - and, based on those applications, we invite six finalists to present their workplace programmes in a best practice summit."

Barry Crisp is one of the founders of the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces

He believes the UK compares very well to other countries: "In the UK we have a very robust system in workplace health and wellbeing, so I'd say we are doing very well.

"Of course, individual companies can always strive to be better, to look after employees better, but we have a lot of programmes and initiatives in the UK, so it's in a good spot."

He added that he was delighted that this year's Headfest was taking place at Northampton University, where he works as a marketing lecturer. He said the institution was "always trying to have an open dialogue about mental health and wellbeing.

"There is a men's mental health meet-up that happens regularly, and other initiatives as well, so it's very proactive."

Last year's Headfest involved several support groups

Among other things, Headfest will have an expert on mental health during the menopause, a consultant psychiatrist, as well as mental health champions who all know what it's like to live with a diagnosis.

There will also be help available for living with a long-term health condition and opportunities to try relaxing hobbies like crochet, needle felting, and origami.

Headfest takes place at the University of Northampton between 10:00 and 15:00 GMT on Friday, 25 October.

Hear some highlights from previous Headfest events.