Meet our Mental Health Champions!
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 21 Apr 2026 in Colleagues
Across OurCoop we have many colleagues who are trained Mental Health champions, creating a workplace where our colleagues feel supported, understood, and able to be themselves — including on the days they’re not at their best.
For OurCoop, this network plays a vital role in building a positive and inclusive culture. When colleagues feel safe to talk about mental health, it helps reduce stigma, encourages early support, and strengthens trust across teams. This, in turn, leads to healthier colleagues, stronger engagement, and better outcomes for everyone.
Our Purpose
The purpose of our Mental Health Network is simple but powerful:
- To raise awareness and open up conversations about mental health
- To provide support by signposting helpful resources, sharing experiences, and listening without judgement
- To influence positive change by helping shape policies, practices, and ways of working that support wellbeing
- To create connection so no one feels alone in how they’re feeling
The network isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating space for understanding, learning, and compassion. By looking after our mental health, we’re not just supporting individuals; we’re strengthening our teams and OurCoop as a whole.
The role of our mental health champions
To create a safe, trusted, and supportive environment, our Mental Health Champions (MHCs) follow these guiding principles:
1. Confidentiality
Mental Health Champions will always treat conversations with care and confidentiality. Information shared will not be passed on unless there is a clear and serious reason where confidentiality must be broken to keep someone safe. Any limits to confidentiality will be handled responsibly and with respect.
2. Non‑judgemental Support
Mental Health Champions aim to create a safe, judgement‑free space for open conversation. This includes being aware of personal limits — for example, recognising topics that may feel triggering or situations where additional support is needed. MHCs respect and value individual differences, including race, belief, gender, sexuality, and mental or physical health.
3. Integrity and Self‑Awareness
Mental Health Champions role model positive wellbeing by looking after their own mental health. When supporting others, they maintain healthy boundaries and are mindful of their own knowledge and experience. Knowing when to listen, when to signpost, and when to step back is part of acting with integrity.
4. Respect for Individual Choice
Mental Health Champions support colleagues to explore their own options and decide what feels right for them. The role is about listening and empowering — not advising or directing. Each individual remains in control of their decisions, and those choices are always respected
To access a full list of champions, click here (log in required).
What are the benefits of being a Mental Health Champion?
- A great opportunity for growth and personal development
- You’ll be equipped with training and skills that you can utilise in all areas of your life
- Help to reduce the stigma attached to mental health by having open conversations
- You’ll be given practical tools and resources to look after your own wellbeing
- Make a difference by helping your colleagues access the support they need
- Contribute to building a proactive and supportive workplace
- Be part of a community of like-minded colleagues
If you would like to find out more please email diversityandinclusion@midcounties.coop
Grocery Aid
Please remember that GroceryAid services are available to all OurCoop colleagues, and they offer a wide range of support including emotional, financial, and practical, for more information please visit their website GroceryAid.
If you require emotional support or practical advice you can call their free helpline on 08088 021 122.