We were kindly invited by The People Arches to attend the C&W Chamber of Commerce Annual Business & Economic Conference, held at the IXL Conference Centre in Southam. It proved to be a dynamic and engaging day, offering our charity valuable visibility and the chance to take part in informed conversations about mental health, workplace wellbeing and the pressures increasingly affecting today’s workforce.
Mental health pressures in today’s workforce
Across sectors, many employers and employees are dealing with higher levels of stress and pressure. Demands at work, the cost-of-living challenges and the difficulty of maintaining a healthy work–life balance all contribute, and stigma still prevents some people from seeking support when they need it.
National data reflects these trends. Acas reports that nearly half of workers feel the cost-of-living crisis has affected their mental health, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists notes that a notable proportion of adults have taken time off for mental health reasons, with many still hesitant to request such leave.
Other research, including the CIPD Good Work Index 2025 and recent findings from AXA UK and BACP, shows that worries about finances, workload and general wellbeing remain common across the workforce.
There is also a strong business case for investing in support. Evidence from Deloitte and NHS Employers indicates that every pound spent on mental health initiatives can deliver a significant return through improved productivity and reduced absence.
Highlighting accessible support
We used the conference as an opportunity to outline our mental health training for employers and share practical ways organisations can support staff early on. We also answered questions around access and waiting times, and many attendees said they were relieved to learn how simple it can be to get the right support in place.
The event brought together a strong line-up of speakers, including Kerian Joseph from Guardian Ballers, who spoke about the impact of sport and mentorship on young people’s confidence and wellbeing. His contribution was a useful reminder that support doesn’t always have to be clinical; it can grow naturally through community and shared purpose. Business leaders and panellists also discussed how organisations can build resilience, and the Chamber announced their incoming President, Sandra Godley OBE.
We’re grateful to Dawood Ibtehsam and the team for the invitation. The conversations and connections made throughout the day further strengthened our commitment to helping workplaces build cultures that understand and support mental health.