Staff wellbeing is both physical and mental health

As part of my role in looking after staff wellbeing, we aim to create an Injury Free Environment (IFE) in which nobody is harmed. Our IFE programme builds on existing health and safety legislation, it encourages us to look out for one another, so we all go home safely at the end of the day.

At Mindenhurst I educate the operatives on good mental health including giving toolbox talks around topics such as stress, anxiety, suicide awareness and coping mechanisms. I am also a mental health first aider, and I am trained to assist in a mental health crisis, either on site or to members of the public. I also hold neurodiversity presentations across the business to educate colleagues on how we can support neurodiverse individuals in the workplace.

We encourage you to join us on this journey, so if you see anything that poses a risk, could cause harm, or anything that worries you please get in touch.

Sustainability at Mindenhurst 

At Mindenhurst we prioritise sustainable methods of construction wherever possible, I am personally responsible for finding more sustainable alternatives to everyday activities. I’m proud of our achievements so far and the plans we have in the final phases, this includes:

• reusing all existing concrete (from demolitions) in new buildings and as part of the build up of the Loop Road and Brunswick Road
• reviewing our programme to find different ways of working to reduce carbon production
• reducing the amount of materials we import to Mindenhurst
• supporting the environmental team to protect and relocate reptiles
• ensuring that tree protection is in place before we start any construction work so that the health of existing trees isn’t damaged during the course of our works

As a team, we always ensure we don’t damage the environment when we build. We share best practice across the business and with external partners – such as the Considerate Constructors Scheme – so that other projects can benefits from initiatives we have used successfully here at Mindenhurst.

Today is World Down Syndrome Day, we’re taking part in the #LotsOfSocks campaign which raises awareness about Down syndrome.

People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome, they have 3 copies of chromosome 21, which is why it is held each year on 21st March.

Why socks? The picture to the left shows the genetic mapping of chromosomes which some say look a little bit like pairs of socks.

To take part, all you need to do is wear some socks that are going to get noticed – they might be mismatched socks or your craziest and most colourful socks, whatever takes your fancy!

Then, if someone asks you about your socks you can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome and promote inclusion”.

To find out more about the campaign click here.

On Wednesday 1st February the Mindenhurst team and Surrey Wildlife Trust joined residents and staff at Lakeview Care Home to plant a spindle tree as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.

The Queen’s Green Canopy was created during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with the aim of planting a million trees to create a living legacy in Her Majesty’s name.

In support of the local environment at Deepcut, the Mindenhurst development has participated in this initiative by donating trees to local families, groups and businesses as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to her country and her people.

Lakeview Care Home residents and staff were joined by the Mindenhurst team’s Operations Director and Surrey Wildlife Trust, who delivered a talk about our local wildlife and the importance of trees in urban environments.

Every new tree planted will bring benefits for people, wildlife, and the climate. The spindle tree donated to the care home will become a beautiful addition to the gardens.

In the spring and summer it will provide a welcome habitat for garden birds and – when it flowers – it will bring colour to the garden and a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects. Each autumn the tree will go through a striking transformation, when clusters of bright pink-and-orange berries hang from its twigs providing food for mice, birds, and even red foxes.

Charlie Norris, Operations Director at Skanska, said: “The Mindenhurst project team is delighted to join residents of Lakeview Care Home to plant a tree as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy. This is one of many trees we are proudly donating to the community to support our local environment, so far over a million trees have been planted by people across the country, as a wonderful tribute to Her Majesty.”

Inder Hanzra, General Manager at Lakeview Care Home, said: “We are delighted that the Mindenhurst team has very kindly donated the spindle tree to Lakeview for the enjoyment of the residents, their families and friends, and the Lakeview team as a living legacy in the name of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.

Louise Ryan, Senior Ecologist at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: “Surrey Wildlife Trust’s mission is to ensure that reserves are connected through a ‘Nature Recovery Network’ of joined up spaces that are havens for wildlife. This means ensuring our towns, villages, businesses, farms, schools, homes, gardens and all the other elements that make up our living landscape are managed with nature in mind. This includes increasing the number of urban trees planted within urban developments, as they provide valuable habitat to a range of wildlife from mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. In addition, they provide important ecosystem services through carbon sequestration and flood management. They have also been proven to improve many peoples overall mental health and wellbeing. The Queen’s Green Canopy will contribute significantly towards the number of urban trees to ensure the UK’s wildlife is protected for the long term”.