Young entrepreneur aims to tackle depression in the workplace - The Solihull Observer

Young entrepreneur aims to tackle depression in the workplace

Solihull Editorial 26th Jan, 2016 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

A YOUNG entrepreneur from the West Midlands has made it her mission to tackle stress in the workplace and promote mental wellbeing.

Founder and director of Altruist Enterprises, Katie Buckingham has published a YouTube video of a group of experts discussing various issues surrounding mental health.

From Solihull, Katie produced the video to coincide with Blue Monday – typically the third Monday in January which is reported to be the most depressing day of the year.

The 22-year-old covers how to identify stress in the workplace and how to do something about it.




Katie said: “Stress in the workplace is still a taboo and this desperately needs to change.

“The purpose of the video is to set an example by showing that it’s okay to talk about these issues. In fact, talking is the best way to tackle them.


“We also hope that the film will highlight the pain points to those watching – helping them realise that something has to be done and that Altruist is here to help.”

Katie started campaigning about mental health when she was just 17 and launched Altruist in 2013, while studying with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.

She has since been recognised with a catalogue of awards and has worked with various organisations – including Natwest and Solihull Council.

Katie said that from the outset, Altruiest has been focused on helping employers implement strategies for preventing and solving stress-related problems.

She added: “We strive to build resilience and encourage positive action to prevent instances of work-related illness – open discussion and the language used is integral to this.

“We equip managers with the right knowledge to spot the early signs of stress, as well as showing them how to approach the subject and provide the correct initial help.

“This is not just vital for the individual concerned, but for the company as well, when you consider the costs that poorly managed problems of this nature can incur.”

Launched by star of Dragon’ Den, Peter Jones CBE, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy runs specialist courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship at colleges across the UK.

The academy’s head of education, Helen Beardmore, said: “We are extremely proud of the work that Katie has done since leaving the academy.

“She’s using her skills to tackle really important issues and we wish her the very best for the future.”

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