OUR SAVINGS PRODUCTS
Put your business cash to work with our simple, rewarding and easy to use business savings accounts.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career and personal journey, it’s that mental health is the foundation of a meaningful, successful life. This Mental Health Awareness Week, I wanted to share my story and reflections. This year’s theme, "Community", reminds us that mental wellbeing is not just an individual responsibility – it's something we can all nurture together.
Sleep was one of my first lessons in self-awareness. Growing up, I never had a good sleep pattern, but I was so active that falling asleep wasn't an issue. University changed that – the excitement, the stress, the constant change. Suddenly, I was lying awake, restless.
During my time at university, I discovered a sleep-focused meditation course. It wasn't part of my formal education; it was something I sought out because I knew I needed help. For six weeks, I learned techniques to calm my mind and ease into sleep naturally.
One method that stuck with me involved visualising myself in a white cube, trying to mentally erase the black lines connecting the corners. It sounds strange, but focusing so intently quietened my mind. Today, I fall asleep almost instantly. Even if I don't sleep long hours, it's about good quality sleep, not quantity.
Another technique I now use, especially after learning it from a colleague here at Redwood, is writing down any worries before bed. Emptying my mind allows me to genuinely rest. Sleep is vital – and finding what works for you is essential.
Early in my career, I worked long hours in a demanding audit role. At first, I thought everything was fine. Professionally, I was ticking all the boxes. But stress crept in slowly, drop by drop, like water filling a bucket – you don't notice until it's overflowing.
The wake-up call came from a simple question: "Was there any traffic today?" I had no memory of my entire 20-mile drive home. That realisation – that I was functioning on autopilot, disconnected from the moment – made me really consider my mental health.
Recognising that something was wrong was the hardest step. But it also gave me the power to change – to move to a healthier environment, to listen to myself more closely and to learn to spot the early signs of burnout.
Since then, I've become much more attuned to my stress levels. It’s about understanding my own rhythms, much like I did with sleep. When I feel the pressure building, I take action early.
Today, managing my mental health is about proactively doing the things that ground me. Swimming is a big one – the rhythmic motion, being in the water, staying focused – it's meditative for me. I also find joy and escape playing with my daughters and dogs, cooking, or getting lost building intricate Lego models.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some days, it’s exercise. Other days, it’s simply sitting on the floor playing Lego with my daughters, letting the world slow down.
Mental health starts with personal awareness. You can't support others until you’re in tune with yourself. But once you are, you can extend that awareness outward.
At Redwood Bank, we talk a lot about being a “family”. Checking in with each other, asking genuine questions like “How are you?” or “How’s everything going?” – that’s how we build a true community. It doesn’t always need to be a deep conversation. Sometimes it's the smallest, most casual questions that make all the difference.
Becoming a Mental Health First Aider is a powerful way to formalise that support. I’m proud of our network of Mental Health First Aiders and Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors at Redwood. These colleagues aren’t just names on a poster – they’re people who’ve raised their hands to support others, to create safe spaces and to help foster the kind of community that Mental Health Awareness Week is all about.
If you’re thinking about it, I encourage you to listen to those who have already done it. Many find it deeply rewarding – not just because they're helping others, but because the experience enriches their own lives, too.
Mental health is a priority at Redwood and we offer wide-ranging support across financial, health and cultural areas.
Our wellbeing initiatives are about helping everyone thrive – as individuals, teams and as a community.
Mental health awareness isn’t about fixing others. It’s about cultivating a culture of noticing, listening and supporting – starting with ourselves.
If we all become a little more aware, a little more compassionate and a little more willing to check in, we can create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
We rise by lifting others. And together, we can make Redwood Bank a place where wellbeing truly comes first.