Sam Downie on Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces

In recent years, the importance of mental health in the workplace has taken centre stage. With industries like construction under increasing scrutiny for its approach to psychological wellbeing, organisations are beginning to explore more effective and sustainable strategies. One charity leading that charge is Mates in Mind, a UK based organisation dedicated to improving mental health across high risk sectors. Dr Graham Kelly speaks with Sam Downie, Managing Director of Mates in Mind, to learn more about her journey, the charity’s mission and what it really takes to drive meaningful cultural change in organisations.

Resilience is often mentioned in these conversations, but it’s more complex than just being “tough”
Yes, I’m cautious about the term “resilience” because it can imply that the burden is on the individual. Often, it’s more about the environment. If someone has felt supported and valued in past challenges, they build confidence and coping skills. But if they have been left to struggle alone, they carry those experiences with them. That’s why workplace culture matters because it can either build people up or chip away at them.

Does creating a mentally healthy workplace start with understanding your current reality?
At Mates in Mind we use assessments to help organisations identify their starting point, whether they’re legally compliant and how employees are experiencing their culture. From there, we build a tailored plan. We work with businesses of all sizes and increasingly we are seeing large organisations act as champions by sharing resources down their supply chains. That ripple effect is one of the most exciting developments in our work.

In addition, there is a national programme for mental health first aiders, but the evidence suggests the training alone is not enough. Many feel isolated or carry a heavy emotional burden. To address this, we created peer networks, hosted webinars and built case based resources. It’s about enabling those people – who already care deeply – to be effective and supported in their roles, not overwhelmed by them.

You mentioned organisational change isn’t just about policies, it’s about people and culture
We often use Appreciative Inquiry, a change method that focuses on what is working well and builds from there. It helps employees reconnect with what gives them energy and meaning at work, which often gets lost in day to day pressures. From that foundation, we work with teams to create action plans that feel personally relevant and emotionally resonant, which makes them more likely to succeed.

Leadership at all levels is essential for sustained culture change and mental health initiatives often fail when they are treated as one off solutions, why is this?
We have introduced reverse mentoring programmes where people with lived experience of mental health challenges mentor senior leaders. This helps ensure strategic decisions are made with real human insight in mind. We are also supporting “accidental counsellors” in industries like farming, people who find themselves in informal support roles, to feel more confident and capable when those conversations arise.

Mental health, like physical health or strong relationships, requires consistent effort. It is not something you fix with a single workshop or training. Organisations need to treat it as a long term investment. Understand your workforce, listen to what they need, and keep testing and evolving your approach. Even small, consistent improvements can lead to significant change over time.

For organisations just starting out with the Mental Health Strategies, what advice would you give?
The advice is simple, understand where you are and build from there.

Assess your current position and ensure you are legally compliant. Then work on creating an action plan that addresses both immediate needs and long term goals. Equip individuals to care for themselves and others and connect with communities doing similar work. One of the most rewarding parts of this role is seeing organisations not only improve internally but also inspire others by sharing what works.