Here is a very personal story from our Director of People and Organisational Development, Zahra Leggatt – in her own words…
“Last year, I shared my struggles with mental health as an adult. I won’t rehash what I’ve already discussed, but I want to emphasise the ongoing importance of our collective awareness of mental health and the need for each of us to actively practice self-care.
“Like so many of you, this year has brought personal loss for me. Losing both my partner and my dad to cancer was unimaginable at the start of the year. Having lost my mum when I was 12, I thought I understood grief, but losing my dad hit me much harder than I ever expected.
“Grief can still be a bit of a taboo subject, whether it's the loss of a family member, a friend, a beloved pet, a relationship, or even an element of our health. It's something that touches all of us at some point. What I’ve realised is that while loss is universal, it’s not always visible. We come to work, meet our responsibilities, and keep pushing forward, but we don’t always necessarily know how the person next to us is truly feeling.
“That’s why it’s so important to remind ourselves that we don’t have to face these challenges alone. I’ve accessed counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme, and for the first time, I tried online counselling. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be an incredibly positive experience. It reminded me just how essential it is to reach out for support when you’re struggling. Sometimes, just talking to someone who listens without judgment can make all the difference.
“My six sessions have now ended, and I’ve gone from feeling like I would never stop crying when I thought about Dad, to being able to smile and laugh at the memories. I still miss him every day, and I imagine I always will, but my ability to cope with and respond to the loss has improved. It’s having less of an impact on my day-to-day life and well-being. At one point, it felt like I had a weighted blanket over my brain, but now I’m experiencing more ‘normal’ days, which feels so much better.
“I’ve been talking about loss because it’s had the biggest impact on my mental health this year. But of course, there are many reasons why someone’s mental health might suffer, and sometimes, the cause might not even be clear or tangible. That’s why I’m really pleased that at the end of this month, our Employee Assistance Programme is expanding. It will be available to all employees from the start of their employment, rather than after completing probation. And instead of six counselling sessions per year, employees will now have access to six sessions per issue. I’m proud that DHU is offering this improved opportunity to everyone - because we recognise the value of immediate support, no matter the cause.
“It’s not just about professional support either. We have incredibly empathetic colleagues and line managers who want to listen and help. Our Mental Health First Aiders, and our People and Culture team are all here to support us. Even a simple conversation with someone you trust can be a powerful step toward healing.
“As leaders at DHU Healthcare, we’ve been actively encouraging each other through Inspire to show vulnerability - to let down the walls we sometimes build to cope. It’s okay not to have all the answers, and it’s okay to admit when we’re struggling. In fact, showing vulnerability can be a source of strength, both for us and for those around us.
“So, if you’re feeling the weight of loss or any other kind of emotional burden, I encourage you to reach out. There’s always help available and it’s there if you need it. Whether it’s through counselling, a chat with a colleague, or talking to your line manager, please take that step and remember that, whoever we are at DHU and whatever role we have here we’re equally important and we’re all in this together.