DGCOS and NHIC collaborate for wellbeing podcasts
The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) has teamed up with the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) to create a new podcast series that delves deeper into the industry’s pressing mental health and wellbeing challenges.
DGCOS chief executive, Faisal Hussain, said. “Building on our two-year campaign for better mental health and wellbeing, we decided that there was so much more we can do to help.
“We started a collaboration with the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) to bring together medical experts, frontline charity workers and DGCOS representatives to shine a light on mental health and wellbeing, in a new series of six podcasts.
“The six episodescover the following topics: mental health support in the sector and its effects on productivity; what does a good work life balance look like; managing loneliness working away from home; the importance of a holistic approach and training; how to manage common mental health problems like anxiety and depression; and accessing debt support for better financial health.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to our own team members who took part, as well as the guests we spoke to including Hannah Vickers, chief of staff at Mace and head of productivity at the Construction Leadership Council; Martin Lockham from Mates in Mind; George Jones from Cahill Renewables; Tony Steel from Band of Builders; Dr Rachel Cooper; and Greg Jenkinson, from Step Change.
“I’ve personally been encouraged to see how much mental health and wellbeing have become more comfortable topics of conversation in our sector and are on the agenda now for many businesses. Rewind even five years and you’d see a totally different picture,” he continued.
“We may not have totally broken down the taboo, but we’ve certainly started to chip away at it, something that DGCOS is determined to continue to do. If these podcasts help just one person, then our job is done.”
Anna Scothern, chief executive of the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) commented: “We’re excited to announce this new podcast series which addresses the crucial issue of mental health awareness in the home improvement sector. Through this series of engaging podcasts, we are reaching out to diverse audiences, fostering creativity, and promoting well-being in the home improvement community. I applaud DGCOS for taking this initiative in partnership with NHIC.”
The series, running throughout Autumn, coincides with Suicide Prevention Month in September and depression and mental health awareness month in October, and is available here:
Anyone looking for confidential 24/7 support with mental health and wellbeing can text HARDHAT to85258.