Bonifacio Global City, Taguig – Listed natural resource development company, Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), rolled out free mental health training to volunteer employees to foster a more open, safe, and supportive work environment.
Aligned with the company’s newly released mental health policy, volunteer employees known as NAC Mental Health Responders are required to undergo continuous training, beginning with an 8.5-hour session covering non-clinical interventions such as psychological first aid and basic mental health awareness. Upon completion, all volunteers receive certification from Mental Health First Response (MHFR), a registered training and consultancy provider specializing in mental health education for workplaces, schools, and communities.
“The goal is to turn up the conversation, stamp out the stigma, and promote self-seeking behavior, a healthy working atmosphere we aspire for at NAC”, says Dr. Bimbo Almonte, NAC Assistant Vice President for Occupational Health
This year, a total of 92 employees signed up as mental health responders, including 67 from NAC’s operating companies across the Philippines. These responders made themselves available to listen to colleagues experiencing stress or emotional concerns. The program did not require clinical experience, allowing employees from various departments to participate and offer peer support.
“NAC takes charge in placing mental health as an integral part of the company’s health culture, where employees themselves take the responsibility of tackling mental health issues and providing support for each other,” Almonte further explains.
The program supports Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 on Good Health and Well-being and is aligned with the World Health Organization’s recommendation for companies to implement structured mental health interventions in the workplace.
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