Why the Three Peaks Challenge benefits mental health in the workplace
Elle Neal, BPA Quality Project Manager and advocate for mental health in the workplace shares her story of the Three Peaks Challenge which Team BPA recently undertook.
“I really feel privileged to work for a company which puts mental health in the workplace first. The Three Peaks Challenge is such a great example of this. It was an arduous challenge which put our physical and mental strength to the test with everyone working towards a personal goal.
“In the weeks since the challenge, the general consensus is pride for ourselves and what we individually achieved. It is also for each other and the team as a whole. We came together through shared experience. It helped us to believe that we can achieve anything if we put our minds to it. This goes for the challenge itself but also the training walks we did together on the Jurassic Coast or on Dartmoor’s gruelling hills.
Steps in the right direction
“We proudly smashed our target raising £5,000 for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation. That was a joint effort from the entire company with bake sales, an escape room event and raffles. We should all feel so proud of that achievement alone.
“BPA Quality really understands the importance of team building in positive mental health in the workplace. The effort which goes into planning and organising these events is big. But, the benefits are even bigger. Firstly, these challenges give people from all different levels of the business, walks of life and experience the chance to connect and learn together. Secondly, everyone takes part in something which will change their lives forever. There is something magical about climbing a mountain that leaves you with a huge sense of achievement. So, multiply that by three for each of the Peaks and you’re really left wanting more!
Workplace wellbeing and mental health
“The Mental Health Foundation says that: Participation in regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety. It also plays a role in preventing the development of mental health problems and in improving the quality of life of people experiencing mental health problems.
“BPA Quality appreciate that people have different mental health in the workplace. So, our objective is to be as inclusive as possible. Our Mental Wellbeing team work in line with the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework. These are evidence-based actions which promote people’s mental health in the workplace. They are Connect, Take Notice, Be Active, Give and Keep Learning. We have two teams at BPA Quality – BPA Active and The Social Committee. They are employees who volunteer their time to support others. Events like the Three Peaks Challenge, friends and family walks and baking events are planned monthly to promote and support mental health in the workplace.
“One thing we have learnt through all the activity is that teamwork is at the heart of each one. We all inspire and motivate each other without realising it. As a result, we can push ourselves to be the people we want to become. That way, work no longer feels like a place you have to come to. It feels like a place you want to come to.
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” Phil Jackson