Wellbeing at Eden

Welcome to our Eden Futures Wellbeing Page.

How are you today?

Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplace and communities, impacting everyone. In ‘Eden Together’, our monthly Health and Wellbeing magazine, we talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

We know the cost of living crisis is impacting everyone so we aim to bring you information about where you can find support. You don’t need to struggle alone – please reach out if you need help or support.

Every month we cover a range of topics, including: wellbeing support, action for happiness, random acts of kindness, emotional health, financial wellbeing, physical health, mindfulness, awareness days, healthy recipes, good news stories – and more.

Simply click on the magazine image on the right to read the latest issue and if you want to read previous magazines, click on the ‘Eden Together Newsletter archive’ link below the image.

It’s important to us that Eden Together is meaningful, so please get in touch if you’d like to see a particular topic or share a good news story with us: marketing@edenfutures.org

Further down this page, you’ll find our Eden Futures’ Wellbeing Policy plus a number of resources, support guides, and a list of helpline numbers. 

If you are part of our Eden Futures family, this page doesn’t replace our intranet (ERNIE) which still contains lots of useful information plus our company policies and procedures. Remember, if you’d like to talk to someone about anything that is worrying you or you are concerned about someone that you work with, you have lots of options to speak to people internally such as your Line Manager, a member of the HR Team at HR@edenfutures.org, the CEO at CEO@edenfutures.org or by calling 03300 240 039 (option 4) and ask to speak to a member of the HR Team.

You can also find details of Safecall, our whistleblowing hotline below.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Some of us identify as LGBTQIA+. This means we may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual. Or we may define our gender and sexuality in other ways.

You can visit Stonewall’s glossary, which  lists many more terms: www.stonewall.org.uk/list-lgbtqterms

Anyone can experience a mental health problem. But those of us who identify as LGBTQIA+ are more likely to develop problems like:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Anxiety, including social anxiety
  • Eating problems
  • Misusing drugs and alcohol
  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal feelings
  • Other mental health problems

 

Being LGBTQIA+ does not cause these problems. The reasons why those of us with LGBTQIA+ identities are more likely to get them are very complicated. But it is most likely to do with facing things like:

  • Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
  • Stigma and discrimination
  • Difficult experiences of coming out
  • Social isolation, exclusion and rejection

 

It’s important to remember that embracing your LGBTQIA+ identity can also have a positive impact on your wellbeing. It might mean you have:

  • Increased confidence
  • Improved relationships with your friends and family
  • A sense of community and belonging
  • The freedom of self-expression and self-acceptance
  • Increased resilience
  • LGBT Foundation provide a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people – https://lgbt.foundation/

 

What help and support is available?

It’s important to remember that you deserve support and respect, whatever your identity or background. And you have legal rights to access healthcare without discrimination.

Mind (www.mind.org.uk) is there for anyone experiencing a mental health problem because we know that those of us with LGBTQIA+ identities may face extra challenges around getting the right support. And we sometimes have extra needs or concerns.

Mind have a range of tips on their website that may help. Remember that different things work for different people at different times. Only try what you feel comfortable with, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

 

At Eden Futures, we believe in reflection, education and action. We reflect on the strides we have made towards fostering an inclusive environment, educate ourselves on how we can improve further, and take action to ensure that everyone—both within our team and those we support—feel safe. As part of educating ourselves, we have created these booklets that we encourage everyone to use. 

 

We also hope these resources below are helpful to you, whether you are LGBTQIA+ or looking for ways to support the community. 

LGBT Foundation
Tel: 0345 3 30 30 30
Website: lgbt.foundation
Advice, support and information for people identifying as LGBTQ+.

Mermaids
Tel: 0808 801 0400
Website: mermaidsuk.org.uk
Supports gender-diverse young people aged 19 and under, and their families and carers. Offers a helpline and and webchat.

Pink Therapy
Website: pinktherapy.com
Online directory of qualified therapists who identify as or are understanding of minority sexual and gender identities.

Rainbow Mind
Website: mindinsalford.org.uk/rainbow-mind-lgbtqi-project/
Service run by two local Minds offering LGBTQ+ mental health support. Runs regular online support groups for LGBTQ+ people, including a dedicated group for young people aged 17-24.

Switchboard
Tel: 0300 330 0630
Website: switchboard.lgbt
Listening services, information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Stonewall
Tel: 08000 50 20 20
Website: stonewall.org.uk
Information and advice for LGBT people on a range of issues.

Online resources

I am worried about…

Safecall

Safecall is a whistle blowing hotline which enables employees to register any concerns they have relating to their working environment.

If you are experiencing bullying in the workplace, or are simply having issues at work and want to file a report, Safecall’s whistle blowing hotline provides you with a safe and secure way of reporting your issues.

If you’ve got a concern in the workplace which you’d like to report please click here to file a report.