Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 reminds us of the power of “community,” and it’s interesting to reflect on the various communities that shape our daily lives, sometimes without us even fully realising their impact. Beyond our close circles of family and friends, our workplaces often evolve into significant hubs of connection and shared experience.

And while not every work environment fosters this kind of support, I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my three years at YOURGB. Looking back, this workplace has genuinely been a supportive constant through so many personal milestones. They’ve been there as I navigated the initial challenges of moving to a new country, missing the familiar comfort of friends and family back home, and settling into a new city. They’ve also shared in the joys of owning my first house and getting engaged! It’s a powerful reminder that we bring our whole selves to work, and life’s ups and downs inevitably come with us.

For me, this is where the culture at YOURGB truly shines. We’re a team of 14 creative and diverse individuals, each with our own unique background, who come together in our office right here in the heart of Edinburgh.

We’re so lucky to have a physical space where we can collaborate in person, and even more so to be part of a team that is genuinely welcoming and kind. One thing that has truly stood out to me throughout my career here is the genuine care YOURGB shows for its employees. Working in the events industry, we often face long hours and tight deadlines, which can lead to high-stress situations. Yet, I’m consistently heartened by the initiatives our leadership introduces to foster a sense of community and support our mental and physical well-being. Things like team-building days and dedicated rest and recovery days make a real difference. But perhaps the most vital support, and something I truly wish every company would adopt, is our implementation of Spill.

Spill, a UK-based platform, has been designed to provide mental health support for employees by seamlessly integrating with tools we already use daily, like Slack and Microsoft Teams. It offers immediate access to qualified therapists, proactive well-being monitoring, and a range of tools specifically tailored for employee support.

Having used Spill multiple times myself, I can genuinely say the calibre of psychologists on the platform is exceptional, and their expert advice has been incredibly helpful, especially during those times when life felt overwhelming. The flexibility of booking sessions during the workday or on weekends is a real bonus. But the support for our well-being doesn’t stop there. We also have “Tribe,” a fantastic yoga studio just across the road, offering classes in Pilates, reformer, barre, and yoga. And the best part? We’re encouraged to book these sessions during our working hours as well as outside of them. It truly feels like every aspect of our health is considered, which is something I deeply appreciate.

Moving to Scotland, building my community has been a gradual journey, and I imagine it will continue to evolve. But I’ve been incredibly fortunate that the wonderful people I work alongside have become such a significant part of that for me, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. 

So, my final thought is this: even if you don’t think you need to speak to a psychologist or therapist, it can be incredibly beneficial to get that third-party perspective. I feel so fortunate to have access to Spill and understand that it’s not a resource everyone has. But please, if you’re feeling like you need extra support, reach out to a trusted friend or consider calling the numbers listed below. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I truly hope you treat yourself with kindness, especially on those days when it feels the hardest. Remember, “This too shall pass!”

UK helplines for emotional support: 

• Samaritans – 116 123 (open 24/7) 
• CALM – 0800 58 58 58 (open 5pm to midnight) 
• Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (open 24/7)