Meet Our Mental Health First Aiders
Introducing the Novus Mental Health First Aiders
As part of our commitment to looking after the Health & Wellbeing of our colleagues, Novus has established mental health first aiders for each part of the business.
These 13 Novus employees have been fully certified as Novus Mental First Aiders – let’s meet them:
Kevin Rhone
Who I am and why mental health is important to me
I’ve worked for Novus for 10 years based out of the Head Office.
My role involves supporting the business with delivering Social Value projects.
Mental Health is important to me as it affects 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year.
People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, or work colleague, and I feel it is important this is supported in the same way as a physical illness.
Tony Owen
Who I am and why mental health is important to me
I have worked for Novus since 2013 previously working for Seddon’s, Stoke since 2005.
In 2013, I joined the Build department as a site manager then progressing to Projects Manager for National Projects.
I’m a first aider and SMSTS holder, the reason why mental health is important to me is Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.
It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Edward Hawksey
Who I am and why mental health is important to me
I work within the SHEQ Department for Novus, I have worked for Novus for nearly 6 years, and prior to Novus worked with a number of other contactors within a Safety, Health and Environmental role.
Mental Health is important to me because Mental health, sometimes referred to as ‘emotional health’ or ‘wellbeing’ can be just as significant as good physical health.
The industry has changed the mindset towards health and wellbeing so that it is as equal if not more important today than safety.
Simon Stott
Who I am and why mental health is important to me
I have worked for Novus Property Solutions for the past year and half.
I started my career as a joiner and have 28 years management experience working for both contracting and client sides of the business.
I’m a first aider, SMSTS and CSCS black card holder and the reason why mental health is important to me is that it can effect anyone, and my son has been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD.
Darren Bowkett
Who I am and why mental health is important to me
I have worked for Novus Property Solutions for the past 33 Years.
My working life started as an apprentice painter and decorator back in July 1987, after a number of promotions I’m now Senior Operations Manager working from our Birmingham Office situated in Smethwick.
Mental Health is important to me as it can affect people in many different ways. I’m a people person and I want to be someone that is here to talk to, listen, advise and help to make positive change in my capacity of Mental Health First Aider.
John Coleman
Who I am and why mental health is important to me
I’ve worked for Novus for 6 years, starting as a Painter and Decorator in 2015 having already gained 20 years’ experience being self-employed.
I moved over to the maintenance department as Senior site manager in 2017 then progressing to Contracts Manager.
I’m a first aider and SMSTS holder, mental health is important to me as it can effect anyone, and having someone who can listen, advise and help is a great attribute in helping other people overcome their problems.
Adam Shipstone
Who I am and why mental health is important to me
I have Worked for Novus Property Solutions since February 2021 as a Contracts Manager in the Passive Fire Protection part of the business.
Mental Health is important to me because we need to raise awareness not only in the business but to the wider sector that Mental Ill Health is something that can effect us all in some aspect. It is important to discuss this and accept its ok not to be ok. I want to be able to be in a position to help and support others and Novus are giving us a great platform to be able to do just that. I really believe we can set an example to other businesses in how to support our co-workers and partners.
Anthony Brady
Who I am and why mental health is important to me
I have worked in the HR world for many years and have come across lots of employees who would have benefited from some effective Mental Health First Aid. It is great to see how passionate our leaders and colleagues are about improving the mental health of our colleagues.
I am keen to ensure that we develop a culture where our colleagues feel confident to seek support before they reach crisis point. It is proven that there is a strong link between positive mental health, happiness at work and high performance and it is my role in HR and as a Mental Health First Aider to make this a reality.
