Kat Griffiths is a Risk and Asset Coordinator based in New Zealand, about four hours north of Auckland and works in a depot of largely male employees. 

When Ventia launched our Healthy Minds Program and put the call out for Champions, she jumped at the opportunity to help her colleagues. 

Kat's day job in our Water business in New Zealand involves subcontractor management, traffic management for projects, coordinating large deliveries to site and pre-work safety applications like 'before you dig'. 

Over the past four years, Kat says she's learned a lot about both the Water business and health and safety, and she loves the learning process. So, it's no surprise that she was keen to learn how to support her colleagues through the Healthy Minds Program. 

"I think the fact that I am approachable, I listen, and I am genuine in my interest to hear what they want to share is really important for this role," Kat says. 

Kat says she's passionate about helping people, particularly her male colleagues who traditionally don't speak up, find ways to communicate what they're going through in a way that they're comfortable with.

"I think I've built up trust with the crew so that they know they can come to me and it's absolutely confidential," Kat says.

It's important that we encourage all our employees to consider their mental health as seriously as they do their physical health.

Our Healthy Minds program

Healthy Minds is our mental health program, designed to increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and to build our capability to support a mentally healthy workplace. Our Healthy Minds Champions are volunteers who are passionate about helping others who are struggling with their mental health.

They will listen without judgement and if required help our employees to seek further assistance.

Kat says she's recently been there as a support for one of her colleagues who has been going through a tough time lately. She says she can sometimes draw on her own experiences to give suggestions on how to manage tough times, but she also knows that what works for her, may not work for others. 

"I am pretty resilient, but importantly I know how to practice self-care," Kat explains. "I make sure I do stuff for myself regularly. I often go for a walk, or down to the beach and draw."

"Basically I figured out through trial and error what worked for me, and I make sure I do it when I need that balance."

Kat has also delivered presentations at Toolbox Talk sessions with the team, which she says got very positive feedback. 

The more our people know there's help out there, the more likely they are to reach out.

RUOK? Day is recognised on 9 September 2021. Check in on the people in your world; a conversation can save a life.