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event-icon Personal Excellence Programme

Minds at work: Practical tools to identify and tackle mental wellbeing and enhance emotional resilience

event date October 07, 2026 event timing 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Virtual Member Ticket: FREE Non-member Ticket: £10.00

Event overview

In recognition of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, this event offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental wellbeing and the role we can all play in supporting it.Discover practical strategies to recognise and manage workplace mental health challenges, build emotional resilience and support others. Learn how culture, behaviours and everyday actions can create a healthier, more supportive workplace.

Bookings are closed for this event.

About this event

In an era shaped by digital transformation and the blending of home and work lives, addressing mental health stressors is essential for both productivity and a nurturing work environment. As the boundaries between personal space and professional demands increasingly overlap, our emotional wellbeing is at risk. 

Whilst organisations need effective mental health strategies and robust support systems to succeed, it’s clear that culture, conduct and behaviours also play a vital role in making mental health everyone’s business. 

This interactive, experiential session is designed to equip you with the practical tools to identify and tackle mental health concerns and enhance your overall emotional resilience in order to support yourself and others.

 

user-icon Key takeaways

  • Learn to spot early signs of mental distress

  • Explore and develop the language needed to build trust and foster open discussions on mental health

  • Reflect on your own mental wellness, and gain tools that can be woven into your daily life to boost overall wellbeing

Gary Bates - Your speaker

Gary has over 20 years' experience with Steps Drama Learning Development, where he designs and delivers experiential learning programmes for global clients. He is passionate about using drama and the skills of professional actors to challenge mindsets, inspire meaningful behavioural change, and support organisations through significant transformation, with a particular focus on leadership, conduct, culture and behaviours.

A highly skilled learning designer and engaging facilitator, Gary has designed and delivered programmes worldwide for a diverse range of organisations, including Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC and Bloomberg. More recently, he has led award-winning wellbeing and mental health programmes for clients such as Royal Mail and NatWest, creating blended, modular and multimedia learning experiences using Steps' signature experiential approach.

Alongside his work at Steps, Gary is a mentor with the 93% Club, a graduate of Rose Bruford College and continues to work as a freelance writer, actor and director. He firmly believes that creativity, regular exercise and a well-stocked biscuit tin are the keys to maintaining his own wellbeing.

Your host

Nicola Walters will give a brief welcome on behalf of our corporate host, the National Wealth Fund.

Nicola is a Senior HR Business Partner at the National Wealth Fund, with over 25 years' experience in HR, organisational change and people leadership. She works closely with leaders and colleagues across the organisation to drive positive culture, employee engagement and organisational performance.

Nicola has a particular passion for wellbeing, inclusion and creating environments where people can thrive. She leads National Wealth Fund's wellbeing agenda, bringing together initiatives that support colleague wellbeing, strengthen culture and enhance employee experience. Nicola is delighted to be hosting this WIBF event on behalf of National Wealth Fund and looks forward to welcoming attendees to this session.