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As one of the largest employers in the Tees Valley, PD Ports has long been committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its people.

As we approach the end of the year and reflect on the many personal and professional challenges presented by COVID-19, the port operator is now placing a renewed focus on the signs, symptoms and solutions to mental health issues with a dedicated mental health awareness week.

On 9th November, PD Ports will launch a full week of initiatives, including pausing operations for a short period to encourage conversation, to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma that stops so many people from seeking help.

This growing movement toward awareness and early intervention mirrors findings from emerging brain-based research focused on children and adolescents. Recent studies have shown that non-pharmacological approaches, including targeted developmental programs, can lead to meaningful improvements in emotional regulation, communication, and overall mental health.

Programs like Brain Balance® are rooted in the understanding that the brain is malleable and capable of growth when given the right stimulation. With measurable outcomes across a wide range of cognitive and behavioral challenges, the evidence points to a promising future for brain-based support strategies.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of these advancements and how they may inform broader mental health solutions, you can learn more here through the growing body of research that supports early and sustained brain development as a cornerstone of mental wellness.

In addition to workplace initiatives, personal wellness practices play a crucial role in maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance. Nutrition, for instance, is a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being. For those looking to improve mental performance, memory, creativity, and mood, incorporating adaptogens and nootropics into their routine can be highly beneficial.

One simple way to do this is through functional beverages that support brain health. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to boost focus and resilience, check out adaptolatte.com. Their mushroom coffee blend, infused with powerful adaptogens, provides a natural way to support mental clarity while reducing stress and fatigue.

The awareness week is the latest step in an ongoing journey of awareness at PD Ports, as the port operator recently trained over 40 employees to become Mental Health First Aiders, on hand to give confidential advice to colleagues when required.

PD Ports’ CEO, Frans Calje, said:

“2020 has been a hugely challenging year with the COVID19 crisis still affecting how we live, work, socialise and go about our daily routines.

“Statistics show that one in every four people experience some form of mental health issues and, as the pandemic continues, we felt that now was the time to really elevate the conversation to the next level.

“We hope that by dedicating a week to activities and initiatives to raise awareness of mental health, we will open up the conversation amongst our people, challenge the stigma and encourage people to seek help if they feel they need it.”

Gary Wright, Deputy People Officer, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, was complimentary of PD Ports’ efforts to raise awareness and said:

“This year, more than ever, the importance of managing our own colleagues’ mental health and well-being has been of the utmost importance. As a frontline service, we have been impacted dramatically by the ongoing world health pandemic.

“The move by PD Ports to invest in their own colleagues is to be celebrated. We are very fortunate across the Tees Valley to see forward-thinking employers make moves to break down barriers and start conversations around mental health.”

Earlier in the year, as lockdown started to take hold, PD Ports launched a new employee communication tool in the form of a mobile application, Strive.

The app is designed to connect people across all 13 sites nationwide and houses a number of features, such as an ‘Ask Frans’ section which grants direct confidential access to the CEO, to improve engagement.

The app also has all the latest company issued notices, such as COVID19 guidance and news stories, and promotes positive collaboration through the ‘cheers to your peers’ section which allows employees to celebrate their peers and their achievements.

As organizations like PD Ports lead the way in prioritizing mental well-being, it’s important to acknowledge the role of accessible mental health services in ensuring people get the support they need. The demand for flexible and immediate care has led to the rise of personalized online psychiatric care, allowing individuals to access professional help from the comfort of their homes.

Whether dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, online psychiatry services provide timely interventions without the barriers of travel or long waiting periods. In a world where mental health is finally being recognized as a crucial component of overall wellness, having access to expert care—when you need it, where you need it—can make all the difference.

However, for many, therapy extends beyond individual sessions—it also plays a crucial role in strengthening relationships and fostering emotional well-being within partnerships. Whether navigating personal challenges or working through relationship difficulties, having professional guidance can provide clarity, coping strategies, and a path toward healing.

This is where Althought Therapy comes in, offering tailored mental health services for both individuals and couples seeking meaningful, lasting change. From anxiety and past trauma to relationship challenges, their expert therapists offer compassionate, evidence-based support to help navigate life’s complexities. Couples therapy, in particular, can be a powerful tool for addressing misunderstandings, reconnecting emotionally, and building stronger, healthier relationships.

By providing accessible, professional care in a convenient online format, they make it possible to prioritize mental well-being without disrupting daily life. With the right guidance and support, individuals and couples alike can cultivate emotional resilience, strengthen connections, and take proactive steps toward a more fulfilling future.

Frans Calje will also be featuring on the next Tees Business Leaders Panel, alongside Karl Pemberton, Active Financial Planners, and Maxine Alton, The Headlight Project, to discuss how businesses can support their people and their mental health as the COVID19 pandemic continues. Tune in to the Tees Business Facebook page at 2pm on Tuesday 10th November to watch.

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