The History / Why SAD-DOG?
The SAD-DOG mascot’s name is Presley. Presley was my beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier and was named after my favourite singer. He was a typical Staffy, full of character and fun, with an amazing temperament. His affection and bond with my two young children was very strong.
On the 6th January 2016 our world was turned upside down when our dishwasher caught fire in our kitchen while we were in work. Presley, unfortunately slept in the kitchen. The fire brigade rescued Presley and used oxygen to revive him, but sadly a few days later he succumbed to his injuries.
Being a typical man, I pushed on through and focused on managing the insurance company and repair work and didn’t stop to consider my own mental health. I felt that I needed to take the burden to lessen the effect on my family. Not talking about how I was feeling and bottling up my worries came to a head in 2018 and my mental health really suffered.
When my mental health improved, I trained to be a mental-health first aid instructor, so I could help others, through my lived experience.
The SAD-DOG Mission
Our mission at SAD-DOG is to make uncomfortable mental health conversations comfortable. Why have mental health first aid representatives at your business? First, it’s important to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. In fact, the World Health Organisation states that “there is no health without mental health.” With this in mind, it’s important for businesses to prioritise the mental well-being of their employees.
Being a mental health advocate in the workplace means being aware of the signs of mental distress and being able to provide support and resources to those in need. It also means creating a culture in which it is safe for employees to talk about their mental health and seek help when needed.
We can deliver training for both managers and staff on how to help and advise someone who has mental health challenges in the workplace.
Learners will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to actively promote positive mental health in the workplace by covering a range of topics.
Mental health first aid is not about diagnosing a mental illness, but it is about understanding and helping someone in a crisis.