What made you passionate about leading our Wellbeing group at Stowe?
Wellbeing has always been something I care deeply about, even outside of work. So, when I heard about the Mental Health and Wellbeing at Work Group, I jumped at the opportunity to get involved.
I’ve always been someone who feels things deeply – some might say I have an “anxious side” and around two years ago, I experienced a life-changing accident that required surgery and left me with a significant scar. I was later diagnosed with PTSD, and I found it incredibly difficult to leave the house or be in unfamiliar places.
The support I received from Stowe when I returned to work made a real difference. The People Team and my colleagues made sure I felt safe, listened to, and supported both physically and emotionally. Through benefits like Medicash and online counselling, I was able to access acupuncture for my anxiety and get private medical support for my PTSD – crucial, especially when NHS wait times were over 15 months.
That experience gave me a strong sense of purpose. I wanted to give back and help others in the way Stowe helped me. With Mental Health Champions representing a range of genders, ethnicities, and departments, I believe we’re making real progress in how we talk about mental health – and how we prioritise it. If we can help even one person through a difficult time, we’ve done something worthwhile. But of course, we hope to support everyone who needs it and make sure no one feels they have to struggle alone.
Tell me a little bit about what we do in our quarterly meetings.
Our quarterly meetings give us a space to reflect and regroup. We check in on the past few months – whether any significant events have come up, or if someone has something they’d like to share (confidentially, of course). We also use the time to plan for the next quarter: setting dates, preparing for campaigns or awareness days, and discussing any updates we’d like to share more widely within the firm.
It’s also a great way to share the load. If something’s on your mind or you need support, the group is there to listen and offer advice. We’re all here to support each other, just as much as we’re here to support others.
How do you think our wellbeing initiatives impact the day-to-day work environment?
Mental health is finally starting to get the attention it deserves in the workplace, and rightly so. We spend a huge portion of our lives at work, and it’s only fair that we’re supported to look after our wellbeing here too.
Stowe offers several wellbeing benefits that genuinely make a difference. Medicash gives us access to online GP consultations, dental and optical support, prescriptions, and alternative therapies. I personally discovered the benefits of acupuncture this way – it’s now a go-to for managing my anxiety.
But beyond the health plan, what really stands out to me is the flexibility Stowe offers. Emergency Dependants Leave and Wellbeing Leave are brilliant examples. The EDL allows up to five days a year for when you need to care for a dependant – hugely valuable if you’re a parent or looking after an elderly relative. And the two Wellness Leave days give you space when you need time to recharge, cope with grief, or just step back when things feel overwhelming.
These aren’t just policies on paper—they show that Stowe takes mental health seriously and backs it up with action.
What are some simple ways we can all look after our wellbeing at work?
Wellbeing isn’t one-size-fits-all, but there are definitely small, simple actions that can make a big difference. Communication is one of the most powerful tools we have. That doesn’t mean sharing your whole story, it just means being open. Let a colleague, manager, or Mental Health Champion know if you’re having a tough day or feeling overwhelmed. We all have mental health, and it changes from day to day. Being honest helps others understand how to support you; whether that’s a chat, a quiet space, or just a cuppa.
Personally, I find music helps me focus and stay calm. I’ve got a Spotify playlist of calming acoustic tracks that I use when I need to get into the zone – I really struggle with silence, as my mind tends to wander! I also make a point of stepping away from my screen at lunchtime. I set an alarm for 12pm each day, and where possible, I’ll get some fresh air or sit in the garden with my dog and a cup of tea. It breaks up the day and helps me reset.
My advice? Reflect on your routine. Are there tasks that drain you more than others? Could you schedule these earlier in the day or before a break? Can you block out time in your calendar for focus, and equally for rest?
Most importantly, don’t forget to prioritise yourself. Taking care of your own wellbeing puts you in the best place to be productive, supportive, and engaged at work.
Written by:
Lauren Naylor, Credit Control Team Leader. Head Office
