PD Ports mental health commitment
(Posted on 06/11/20)
As one of the largest employers in the Tees Valley in the UK, PD Ports has long been committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its people.
As we approach the end of the year and reflect on the many personal and professional challenges presented by COVID-19, the port operator is now placing a renewed focus on the signs, symptoms and solutions to mental health issues with a dedicated mental health awareness week.
On 9th November, PD Ports will launch a full week of initiatives, including pausing operations for a short period to encourage conversation, to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma that stops so many people from seeking help.
The awareness week is the latest step in an ongoing journey of awareness at PD Ports, as the port operator recently trained over 40 employees to become Mental Health First Aiders, on hand to give confidential advice to colleagues when required.
PD Ports’ CEO, Frans Calje, said, “2020 has been a hugely challenging year with the COVID19 crisis still affecting how we live, work, socialise and go about our daily routines. Statistics show that one in every four people experience some form of mental health issues and, as the pandemic continues, we felt that now was the time to really elevate the conversation to the next level. We hope that by dedicating a week to activities and initiatives to raise awareness of mental health, we will open up the conversation amongst our people, challenge the stigma and encourage people to seek help if they feel they need it.”
Gary Wright, Deputy People Officer, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, was complimentary of PD Ports’ efforts to raise awareness and said, “This year, more than ever, the importance of managing our own colleagues’ mental health and well-being has been of the utmost importance. As a frontline service, we have been impacted dramatically by the ongoing world health pandemic. The move by PD Ports to invest in their own colleagues is to be celebrated. We are very fortunate across the Tees Valley to see forward-thinking employers make moves to break down barriers and start conversations around mental health.”
Earlier in the year, as lockdown started to take hold, PD Ports launched a new employee communication tool in the form of a mobile application, Strive. The app is designed to connect people across all 13 sites nationwide and houses a number of features, such as an ‘Ask Frans’ section which grants direct confidential access to the CEO, to improve engagement. The app also has all the latest company issued notices, such as COVID19 guidance and news stories, and promotes positive collaboration through the ‘cheers to your peers’ section which allows employees to celebrate their peers and their achievements.
Frans Calje will also be featuring on the next Tees Business Leaders Panel, alongside Karl Pemberton, Active Financial Planners, and Maxine Alton, The Headlight Project, to discuss how businesses can support their people and their mental health as the COVID19 pandemic continues. Tune in to the Tees Business Facebook page at 2pm on Tuesday 10th November to watch.
Latest News
IBJ and DBTG founding “Mother” Julia Peckham passes away after short illness
(Posted on 25/04/24)IBJ is sad to announce the news that Julia Peckham has passed away after a short illness. Julia, often... Read more
Bold plan to decarbonize Detroit port operations and improve air quality
(Posted on 23/04/24)The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority has revealed details of an ambitious programme to dramatically... Read more
Port of Antwerp Bruges' quarterly figures reflect resilience
(Posted on 18/04/24)The total cargo throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges amounted to 70.4 million tonnes in the first quarter... Read more
North Sea Port records Q1 cargo throughput decline
(Posted on 18/04/24)Seaborne cargo transhipment at North Sea Port fell by 3.2% in the first quarter of this year compared... Read more
Green light for river access channel to HAROPA’s Port 2000
(Posted on 15/04/24)The Administrative Court in Rouen, France has dismissed a summary motion seeking the suspension of application... Read more
Agreement to develop Al Faw Grand Port and Economic Zone in Iraq
(Posted on 15/04/24)AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi based facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, has entered into... Read more
Rotterdam calls on EU to position ports smartly for future-proofing Europe
(Posted on 29/03/24)The European Union faces the challenge of reconciling the transition to a sustainable economy with preserving... Read more
Study: ports not ready to handle onboard captured carbon dioxide
(Posted on 25/03/24)A recent study commissioned by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), in collaboration... Read more
ABP pioneers grain-monitoring robot
(Posted on 18/03/24)Spearheading innovation in agricultural storage and safety at work, Associated British Ports (ABP),... Read more
Bilbao hosts intra-European green hydrogen corridor discussions
(Posted on 15/03/24)The Port of Bilbao has hosted a meeting organised by the business agency of the Netherlands, with representatives... Read more
