This film was produced as a training aid for all NHS Grampian staff on the difficult topic of racism. Our people, like every organisation across the UK, sadly encounter racism at work and in their wider lives. That simply isn't right. Inclusion is about allowing people to be themselves at work, and embracing everyone’s differences. It’s not just about minorities, gender or sexual orientation – it’s about accepting and respecting everyone for who they are. And that includes mental health. This poster isn't exhaustive. It doesn’t say everything that needs to be said. It's not an induction either, but perhaps it might become part of one. (We're working on a new induction process, something we've needed to do for ages. More on that another time.) Some emotions and experiences are so deeply personal that you might not feel up to sharing them with anyone, even a trusted love one, until you’ve done a little work with them first. Don’t be afraid to talk through difficult or unwanted feelings. They might seem scary, but remember, you’re always safe with yourself. Avoid first person

Across the world, the facts speak clearly: men aren’t going to the doctor soon enough. They’re not comfortable talking about their health and their feelings. They struggle in silence, or take action too late. I'm no expert, but I think that maintaining a good organisational culture is hard work, especially when your organisation is growing. None of your newly arrived colleagues can be expected to know all that cultural knowledge, and few of the old hands have time to sit down with them and explain it all.Moser JS, et al. (2017). Third-person self-talk facilitates emotion regulation without engaging cognitive control: Converging evidence from ERP and fMRI. DOI: Ben found his mental health had worsened over the course of the Coronavirus pandemic but by speaking out he was able to move forward and improve his wellbeing. He was inspired to start his challenge on World Mental Health Day in October 2021 when he held a sign at Leeds station reading ‘My name is Ben and I get depressed sometimes #ItsOkayToTalk’. He has since amassed a huge following on TikTok, with millions of viewers watching his videos encouraging people in train stations to approach him and start conversations about wellbeing. Read this article in the June 2023 edition of the NHS Education for Scotland - Scotland Deanery News titled 'It's ok to talk about race'. There's no right or wrong way to talk about mental health. But these tips can help make sure you’re approaching the conversation in a helpful way. Ask questions and listen

Of course they get told all the official stuff - how they get paid, how to use the printer, who their line manager is.

If you’re affected by any of the issues raised in this post, please know that you are not alone – it’s ok to ask for help.