Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, we spoke to Safeguarding Lead, Mike Carroll-Owen about his role, how he supports our service users with their mental health and what #MHAW means to him.

What is your title and role within REP?

Designated Safeguarding Lead (GC Employment), I provide safeguarding information, advice and guidance to colleagues working with Service Users who are experiencing a wide range of difficulties i.e. Homelessness, Mental Wellbeing Problems and much more.

What did you do before joining REP?

Prior to joining REP I was a practicing Youth & Community Worker of 20 years as well as a Founder of a CSE/CSA (Child Sexual Exploitation/Abuse) and Mental Health Charities.

What made you want to pursue a career in Safeguarding?

I decided to pursue a career in safeguarding to utilise my skillset and knowledge to support people and direct people to the correct services the first time and improve their quality of life.

What do you do to support service users with their mental health?

When a service user notified their advisors that they are suffering with their mental health/wellbeing, I provide along with the work of our Designated Safeguarding Officers to provide the appropriate signposting to the services they need to be able to get the right support. The sign posting might be into a specialist counselling services, GP appointment, referral into NHS Mental Health Services and Local Social Prescribing Services however there are many more signposting routes we take depending on the concern.

What does Mental Health Awareness Week mean to you?

MHAW means we can ensure that those we work with, our colleagues, family and friends understand that they are not alone when they are dealing with their mental wellbeing and that there are people and services to support them. #YouAreNotAlone #LoveYourself.