Including mental health support in project delivery

An interactive session discussing how Project Managers can identify mental health symptoms, provide tools to help themselves and others, plus also increase the capabilities of the Project Management function. This event was held on 25 January 2024 in Edinburgh.

The covid-19 pandemic led to concerns about a worsening of mental health & wellbeing across the world and increased awareness in both society and the workplace. This event looked to advise the benefits of having a Mental Health First Aid function in the workplace whilst also provided tools and techniques that can be readily used and applied to yourself and colleagues. Additionally, there are wider benefits to Project Management which will be proposed and discussed.

Chris and Pete have very kindly allowed their presented material to be made available for viewing. The slides on Slideshare are now available in our APM resources area and also embedded below for reference.

Speakers

Chris Drysdale - Head of Project Delivery, Silverstream Technologies

Chris began working with Silverstream Technologies in January 2023 as “Head Of Project Delivery” following three years in the ‘Net Zero Energy Business’ of Atkins and eight years before that with the ‘Liquid Gas Equipment’ arm of Babcock International. He is a Chartered Project Professional (APM ChPP) with over 17 years’ experience in Project Management, Process Design and Technical Sales in varied engineering environments and has experience of working with clients and colleagues worldwide. His academic background is Chemical Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, graduating back in 2003.

An authentic team leader who is hard-working, confident, and looks to improve workplace culture with a positive ‘can do’ attitude and consideration of colleagues’ health and wellbeing. He is a practicing Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) and an active “ally” supporting all things ED&I as an “ED&I rep” within Atkins and currently sitting on the “Employee Engagement Panel” within Silverstream.

Finally, he considers himself a clear and honest communicator with both colleagues and clients building lasting relationships.

Pete Huggett - Head of QHSE, Silverstream Technologies
Pete joined Silverstream Technologies in September 2022 as Head of QHSE having spent 8 years in Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce plc., working through Manufacturing Engineering, Operations and Quality. After becoming a MHFA at Rolls-Royce and witnessing the benefits of having support in the workplace, Pete introduced a framework at Silverstream to support the mental wellbeing of employees and encourage an open environment where the stigma around mental health becomes a thing of the past.

This event was ideal for intermediate and developing professionals with any level of experience.