Randstad partners with the Mental Health Foundation to champion wellbeing and help tackle the UK's mental health crisis.
The world of work is evolving, bringing new challenges to ensuring the mental wellbeing of our workforce. To address this critical issue, we’ve partnered with the Mental Health Foundation, a UK charity dedicated to promoting mental health for all. This collaboration will see the launch of a ground breaking research project, exploring the social factors that drive mental health inequalities across the UK, as well as fundraising activities and providing employers with a range of resources and practical tips to help workers protect and manage their mental health.
This partnership signifies a shared commitment to creating a society where mental wellbeing is universally valued, and where individuals and communities have the support they need to thrive.
Addressing mental health inequalities in the UK: a vital step forward
The statistics are stark: 75% of mental health problems begin before the age of 24*, and college campuses across the UK report a staggering 450% increase in student mental health declarations over the past decade**. It's clear that mental health is a critical issue, not just for individuals, but for our society as a whole.
In order to provide decision makers with the tools and advice they need to create a mentally healthier society, our partnership will initially focus on the launch of the Mental Health Foundation's first-ever "State of the Nation" report. This ground breaking report will provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of mental health in UK adults, examining the factors driving mental health inequalities. By uncovering the root causes of these inequalities and the strategies that can reduce them, the report will provide valuable insights into how to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.
A year-round commitment to mental wellbeing
Randstad and the Mental Health Foundation will work together throughout 2025 on a variety of initiatives, including:
- Fundraising efforts: actively raising funds to support the Mental Health Foundation's vital programmes and research efforts, ensuring a steady stream of resources to address this critical issue
- Supporting key programmes: Championing and supporting core programmes such as the "U OK?", peer-led programme, which is designed to improve mental health for students in universities and colleges across the UK. This programme provides students with the knowledge and skills to prioritise their mental health, break down barriers to accessing support, and create safe spaces for open conversations.
The "U OK?" programme: empowering students to prioritise mental wellbeing
The "U OK?" programme, a vital initiative of the Mental Health Foundation, is designed to equip students with the tools and resources they need to manage their mental health effectively. Through peer-led workshops and events, trained student volunteers provide mental health knowledge, break down barriers to accessing support, and create a safe space for open conversations.
This programme is a powerful example of how the Mental Health Foundation is empowering the next generation to prioritise their mental wellbeing and support their peers. By building a generation of students who are informed, equipped, and confident in managing their mental health, we can create a more supportive and resilient society.
A collaborative approach to creating positive change
Randstad’s partnership with the Mental Health Foundation is a testament to our belief in the power of collaboration. We are committed to working with organisations across the UK to share our expertise, learn from best practices, and implement solutions that drive positive change. This might involve:
- Sharing research insights: We will leverage our research expertise and data from our vast global network to share valuable insights with the Mental Health Foundation, offering a deeper understanding of the workforce.
- Advocating for change: We will advocate for policy changes and best practices that prioritise mental health and create a more supportive environment for all workers.
- Mental Health support for Randstad staff: Collaborating to promote mental health awareness and wellbeing by providing resources and information throughout the year.
Together, we can make a real difference in tackling the mental health challenges facing the UK. We encourage individuals, organisations, and communities to join us in this important mission.
Find out more about Randstad’s ongoing partnerships and commitments to become the world's most equitable and specialised talent company below:
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*from Kessler RC, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. (2005). Lifetime Prevalence and Age-of-Onset Distributions of DSM-IV Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62 (6) pp. 593-602. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593.
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**Starting the Conversation: UCAS report on student mental health, UCAS, 2021