Stigma, discrimination and lack of mental health infrastructure in the workplace create an environment that is not conducive to employee mental wellbeing. Godknows, from Cimas iGo, shares what he is doing with the Friendship Bench & WHO as a Mental Wellbeing Champion and indeed, what can be done from an organisational level to make a difference and promote an empowered and mentally positive work force. Taking care of your mental health is imperative. If you or a loved one think you may need extra support—which many of us do from time to time, please connect with Friendship Bench for free evidence-based mental health support. WhatsApp +263 784 845 294 or book at www.friendshipbenchzimbabwe.org/online _______ Presenter: Godknows Muperekedzo, Workplace Mental Wellbeing Champion (Cimas iGo) Videographer: Costa the Creator, Picture Hub Zimbabwe _______ In partnership with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care and the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health. Funded by Grand Challenges Canada.

Workplaces can play an essential part in maintaining positive mental health for workers. Employees need and should expect sustainable mental health services in workplaces. This requires an inhouse team to take on the work of culture change; making a shift towards mental health positivity and empathy over output demands and phrases such as "if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen." It’s not enough to simply offer an article on burnout or a mindfulness app we must connect with people. We must sit and talk, actively listen and encourage one another to speak up against stigma. Thank you Helen for being a Workplace Mental Health Champion under the Friendship Bench and WHO Special Inniaitive; learning, sharing and actioning cultural change! It's an honour to work with you! _______ Presenter: Helen Kalume, Workplace Mental Wellbeing Champion Videographer: Costa the Creator, Picture Hub Zimbabwe _______ In partnership with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care and the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health. Funded by Grand Challenges Canada.

Poor mental health among the workforce imposes tremendous costs on our organisations, the number often quoted from the Davos Economic Foum is about US$1 trillion PER YEAR in lost productivity! Yet barriers to positive mental wellbeing in the workplace remain. Including poor investments in mental health support, lack of knowledge and awareness, stigma and discrimination and unaffrodable and unaccesible options for help. Investing in proactive programs that promote positive mental health in addition to access to affordable evidence-based care — means going beyond delivering interventions for poor mental health but also promoting change in workplace culture from all levels in the corporate ladder! For every US$ 1 put into scaled up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of US$ 4 in improved health and productivity (WHO), does this not seem a small investment for a large return? Thank you Shupikai for being a Workplace Mental Health Champion under the Friendship Bench and WHO Special Inniaitive; learning, sharing and actioning cultural change! _______ Presenter: Shupikai Manatsa, Workplace Mental Wellbeing Champion Videographer: Costa the Creator, Picture Hub Zimbabwe _______ In partnership with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care and the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health. Funded by Grand Challenges Canada.

It’s important to recognise and acknowledge that being in work, is, in itself, good for health! Work is important to an individual’s identity, health and economic wellbeing; however, work can also be a source of extreme stress which built up over a prolonged period of time can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and in extreme cases suicide. Consider these 5 facts about mental health: • 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition, yet less than half receive care • Within the global workforce, around 3 in 10 employees experience severe stress, anxiety, or depression. • Mental health conditions are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease • People with other chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk for depression and vice versa • Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease Providing support and elevating the conversation around employee mental health and well-being is the marker of a caring organization. While openly discussing mental health at the workplace is a big accomplishment, it’s not enough. Mental health demands awareness along with action. Taking care of your mental health is imperative. If you or a loved one think you may need extra support—which many of us do from time to time, please connect with Friendship Bench for free evidence-based mental health support. For free mental health support WhatsApp +263 784 845 294 or book at www.friendshipbenchzimbabwe.org/online _______ Presenter: Georgina Chapoterera, Friendship Bench Trainer Videographer: Costa the Creator, Picture Hub Zimbabwe _______ In partnership with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care and the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health. Funded by Grand Challenges Canada.

The Friendship Bench Workplace Mental Wellbeing programme is a proud partnership between the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the World Health Organisation Zimbabwe. This graduation, our 50 latest Workplace Mental Wellbeing Champions, representing some of the biggest corporates in Zimbabwe who have decided to make mental health accessible in the workplace were enlightened and inspired by guest of honour speakers; • Dr Debra Machando (WHO ZImbabwe, Clinical Psychologist), and • Mr Brighton Mufakwadziya (MoHCC, Mental Health Occupational Therpaist) Our 6 take home messages; 1. Mental health is a matter of life and death 2. Don’t be confined to your organisation; take it to your family, friends, church, to your community at large 3. Don’t sit on your certificate or undermine your skills, you have learnt from the best! 4. Respect confidentiality 5. Evidence matters! Document your impact! 6. Change is coming! We are on a mission to get people out of depression by creating safe spaces where people can find a sense of belonging. Where people can talk openly to an empathic non-judgemental listener who has been trained in problem solving therapy. Where people can access affordable evidence-based mental health care right under their own roof. We envision a world where a Friendship Bench is within walking distance for all. Thank you to our corporate partners, implementation teams, Trainers of Trainers and every graduate Workplace Wellbeing Champion for your passion and energy. This is all about you and the courageous lead you're taking to be there and care for colleagues, friends, family and the community at large.

Maintaining a work-life balance and prioritizing mental health are essential to our overall well-being. The need to take a break and engage in stress reducing activities is now more important than ever as we go in and out of covid lockdowns, work from home changes and upheavals of routines. Bernice, Friendship Bench Workplace Mental Wellbeing trainer talks more about the need for work-life balance and shares some self-care tips to help us all achieve this! Some every day practical tips to encourage self-care and work-life balance include: 1. Keep a regular schedule with periodic breaks and set healthy boundaries with work hours (especially while working from home). 2. Stay connected with family, friends, and support systems using technology or safe in-person gatherings. 3. Keep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet. 4. Pick up a hobby that is not work related in any way . 5. Exercise and stay active by taking walks outside for fresh air, maintain your fitness routine. Taking care of your mental health is imperative. If you or a loved one think you may need extra support—which many of us do from time to time, please connect with Friendship Bench for free evidence-based mental health support. WhatsApp +263 784 845 294 or book at www.friendshipbenchzimbabwe.org/online _______ Presenter: Bernice Chawira, Friendship Bench Trainer Videographer: Costa the Creator, Picture Hub Zimbabwe _______ In partnership with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care and the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health. Funded by Grand Challenges Canada.