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Supporting Mental Health at Avon: Maggie's Journey as a Mental Health Ally

15 May 2024

It’s a privilege to be a part of the MHA network here at Avon and to be there to support my colleagues who may be navigating the complexities of mental health.

As Mental Health Awareness Week unfolds in May, we turn our spotlight on the vital role played by our network of Mental Health Allies (MHA) across our organisation. Maggie Cieslewicz, Financial Accountant and MHA based in our Melksham facility, shares her journey to becoming an Ally and the pivotal support the network offers our colleagues.

"I joined the MHA network when it launched in early 2023. The challenges of mental health became personal during COVID-19. Being far from family and missing daily connections with colleagues weighed heavily on me. Even as we returned to the office, a sense of disconnection lingered.

Becoming an MHA was my way to address the loneliness that can exist even in a bustling environment. It's those small conversations, the reassurance of someone listening, that brighten spirits. As allies, we provide an empathetic ear, listening to work issues, personal matters, or anything someone wants to share. Our goal isn't to 'fix' anyone but to show understanding and support their journey.

To help make us more accessible to our colleagues, we’ve started regular drop-in sessions, providing a space for open conversation and support. Silence is never the answer and we’re here to have an open conversation with. We’re allies for one another too, checking in and supporting each other in our roles.

It’s Mental Health Awareness week here in the UK during May, and to build awareness around mental health and promote the resources available to our colleagues, the Allies are running a series of initiatives that underscore the importance of the pillars of mental wellbeing - nutrition, sleep, exercise, relaxation, and connection.

It’s a privilege to be a part of the MHA network here at Avon and to be there to support my colleagues who may be navigating the complexities of mental health.”

About Avon Technologies plc

We are a world leader in protective equipment, with a reputation for innovative design, high-performance quality and specialist materials expertise. 

Our two brands, Avon Protection and Team Wendy, supply our respiratory and head protection portfolio to customers across the globe from our manufacturing sites in the UK and North America.

With over 900 talented people our shared purpose and core beliefs are to be #FIERCE about Protecting Lives. It’s why we come to work – and it’s what motivates us, every day, to do the best work we can.

Contact

Media Enquiries

Gabby Colley

gabby.colley@avon-protection.com 

Financial PR

Sodali & Co

avonprotection@sodali.com