Support when it matters most: Meet our MHFAs
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), we want to reintroduce our network of Mental Health First Aiders. These trained team members across Rossborough Insurance and Gallagher are here to support you, whether you’re facing a difficult time or just need someone to talk to.
These volunteers are here to listen, offer support, and guide you towards the right resources. Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety or just need to talk something through, they’re ready to help confidentially and without judgment. These team members are a vital part of our wider commitment to building a supportive, open culture around mental health.
This commitment also includes our Mental Health Day initiative, which gives every team member the chance to take a fully paid day to pause, reflect, and recharge. It’s been a real success: in 2024, 70% of colleagues across GGB-UK took advantage of their Mental Health Day, a powerful sign of how much this support matters.
We recently caught up with some of our Mental Health First Aiders to learn more about what their role entails and why it means so much to them.
Kim Davies - Managing Director of Guernsey RA Rossborough (Guernsey) Limited
Why did you want to be a Mental Health First Aider?
People close to me as well as myself have struggled with mental health challenges in the past and so I want to help everyone to understand that there are things they can do to protect their mental health but to also be in a position to support anyone who is struggling. It is improving however I recognise there is still significant stigma around poor mental health and so I also want to do my part to help with this.
What do you do to look after your own Mental Health?
I recognised about a year ago my general mental health was deteriorating and so I made a conscious effort to exercise more (just a daily walk with the dogs), eat better, drink less and read lots about mental health to try and understand what my triggers are so I can manage them better – it's going well so far.
Elysia Gillease - Senior Claims Handler – Private Clients / Team Manager
Why did you want to be a Mental Health First Aider?
With a few immediate family members really struggling with their mental health over the years, I wanted to learn more about how I could help them and also those around me that may be suffering.
What do you do to look after your own Mental Health?
I would usually say a bath and a glass of wine, but I am definitely trying to find healthier ways, such as exercise and making sure I allow myself time to focus on just me, whether it’s doing something creative or reading a few pages of a new book.
Georgena Piziura Cert CII - Healthcare Operations Manager
Why did you want to be a Mental Health First Aider?
I wanted to become a Mental Health First Aider as it aligns with my passion for helping others and provides me with the skills and knowledge to effectively support colleagues who may be experiencing mental health challenges. As a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), I can offer a safe and supportive environment for my colleagues to express their concerns, and I am equipped with the tools and techniques necessary to guide them towards appropriate resources or professional help. This role not only enhances my ability to contribute positively to the workplace culture but also ensures that I am part of a supportive network that prioritises mental wellbeing.
What do you do to look after your own Mental Health?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I tend to take some time to myself to reflect on my day or week, a way to relax for me is escaping what’s going on around me by getting lost in a good book or doing something creative such as using adult colouring books, drawing or painting. Reading allows me to escape into worlds and perspectives while artwork allows me to focus on something different and express emotions in different ways. My favourite way to wind down at the end of the day is cuddles with my dog.
Michaela Le Bailly Cert CII - Account Executive Professional Risks
Why did you want to be a Mental Health First Aider?
I feel mental health is just as important as physical health. It affects us all, in our personal lives, our performance at work and it can be damaging to our physical health. I wanted to become a Mental Health first aider to help others in their time of need. Mental Health can be so turbulent at times and I feel mental health is still sadly a misunderstood topic and I wanted to be properly trained to help my colleagues navigate their mental health when needed.
What do you do to look after your own Mental Health?
I have made positive changes to my work/life balance in the past year or so, including incorporating new habits such as mindfulness and walking. I have reaped the benefits, feeling healthier and less pressured to be all things to all people, focusing on the important things.
Louise Bradley Cert CII -Account Executive, Professional Risks
Why did you want to be a Mental Health First Aider?
Mental Health is something that you hear pretty much every day now and knowing people that have been affected by this, made me want to understand it more and help me be equipped in providing support to those that may need it.
What do you do to look after your own Mental Health?
I love spending time with my family and catching up with my close friends (cause that always ends in laughter), and ensure that once a week I have time to myself which is usually a nice bubble bath watching a favourite programme on the iPad.
Tim Mitchell - Managing Director
Why did you want to be a Mental Health First Aider?
I believe it's crucial for me to understand the various factors that affect mental health in the workplace. This way, I can better recognise the signs and provide meaningful support to those around me.
What do you do to look after your own Mental Health?
Personally, to manage my own mental health, I find that engaging in activities like walking or sea swimming significantly helps me alleviate stress and refocus on positive influences.
Mandy Maguire - Human Resources Officer
Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that we all need support sometimes. So let’s keep talking, listening and looking out for each other.