Makin’ It Happen partnered with the North Country Health Consortium to present at the NH Craft Brew Conference in Manchester. Trevor Rose-Hamblin, Head Brewer Old Irving Brewing Co & Hope for the Day 86 The Silence, Greg Williams, SMP Coordinator, North Country Health Consortium, and our very own Brian Mooney, Community of Care Manager, Makin’ It Happen.
The session focused on ‘how do we start the conversation on our own mental well-being and why it is so hard’. Mental health was already a sensitive and personal topic, but it’s been on the rise. Stressors can come from a variety of places: work, outside of work, or pre-existing conditions. It is not always clear who is responsible for the mental well-being of employees, and that question has only become more confusing with today’s workforce. Mental health is never a one-size-fits-all problem for individuals or for businesses, but having a positive company culture that strives for good mental well-being is directly linked to physical safety and the overall success of your brewery. The goal of the seminar was to help kick off the conversation.
Greg Williams said “I can’t think of a better place to discuss mental health and wellness. The food and beverage industry accounts for a large portion of the workforce in our tourism-rich region. I love that Trevor pointed out the need for the high-stress culture to not only be recognized but changed. Allowing space to voice concern for one’s emotional health must be there. The days of “Suck it up!” or “Get over it” attitudes, have led us to where we are today- with a mental health crisis and unacceptable suicide rates! As Trevor cleverly pointed out, statistically, the service industry is more dangerous than skydiving! We must open the conversation and look for solutions to this ever-growing problem”.
Brian Mooney said “this opportunity to connect with brewers provided a unique prevention intervention! Business owners and employees alike in the hospitality industry were attentive and had excellent questions for our panel. The thought-provoking and interesting questions from this group of professionals reflected credit on their industry and demonstrated their concern for mental and physical health.”
Makin’ It Happen believes that in order to create Recovery Ready Communities partnerships like this one are essential. We hope to be able to bring support to businesses throughout the region in providing prevention, treatment, and recovery resources in a way that meets their needs.
Here is a recording of the session:
