At Stockport Homes Group, the wellbeing of our customers is incredibly important. We want every resident to enjoy a happy and healthy life and have access to the right support when things become difficult. 

And of course, supporting our customers with their mental health wouldn’t be possible without an open and encouraging environment for colleagues. Through resources, training, and fostering a healthy work-life balance, we pride ourselves on a productive and positive workplace.

As every individual has their own needs and preferences, we regularly put on a range of activities in the community to help both customers and colleagues with their mental health.

Unwinding with Flow Activities 

A free service for Stockport Homes customers through our charitable arm SKylight, the ‘Skills for Life’ programme provides the perfect opportunity to learn something new in a relaxed environment. Courses range from health and wellbeing to housing and practical skills such as gardening and cooking.

A huge focus of our Skills for Life programme has been on flow activities, which are fun tasks that provide a balance of challenge and skill. The idea is that when customers are giving their undivided attention to an activity they’re passionate about, the mind’s usual chatter begins to fade away.

One of our customers, Helen, discovered our drawing and crochet classes have a positive impact on her mental wellbeing. She said: 

“I’ve had to focus energy back on myself, and it’s still early days on my path of recovery. One of the things that helps though is attending the groups put on by Stockport Homes. They have honestly kept me going, providing structure and consistency to my week, but also giving a sense of achievement as well as social connection and lots of laughter.”

Boosting mental health through our Community Fund

The SKylight Community Fund provides grants for projects that genuinely make a difference to the lives of our customers and the wider community. When applying for the fund, local community group BOOST told us that they believe sport, particularly football, can help build social connections essential for our wellbeing. Our funding recently contributed to the cost of the football pitch and equipment so that the group could continue delivering their free ‘Get Onside’ mental wellbeing classes.

Benefitting 60 residents, the Get Onside sessions are mixed in gender and age and have also supported individuals with physical disabilities and additional needs. 

Looking to get back into football after coaching his son’s team, one participant has not only enjoyed exercising again, but connecting with others:

“I’d just moved to the area, and I have had issues with mental health over the years like a lot of people have. I thought it would be a good way to make friends in a new area - everyone’s really relaxed and friendly.”

The Community Fund has also benefitted Culture Bridge MCR, a community group that brings cultures together and works towards educating the public through creativity. 

The group used the funding to deliver 10 multicultural ‘Create and Connect’ workshops for financially vulnerable and isolated refugees and migrant residents in Stockport. 

15 to 20 women from different cultural backgrounds shared their artistic talents and cultural stories, developing art and activities to promote mental wellbeing for women, children and their families.

Staff Wellbeing

Our Active Listeners are a dedicated group of SHG colleagues who are trained in mental health first aid (MHFA) and suicide first aid. They provide a safe space and are there to listen, with the knowledge to signpost anyone struggling to the right support.

As part of our Mental Health Awareness Month campaign this year, we’ve put on a number of initiatives for colleagues such as ‘Beating Anxiety’ and ‘Manager Wellbeing’ workshops, equipping staff with the skills to support their own mental health and engage with team members who may be struggling.