Wellbeing Programme for People Managers

Headtorch Aware is Headtorch’s core leadership programme for people managers and team leaders, providing practical learning that helps them confidently support workplace wellbeing and mental health.

Managers often want to help but worry about saying the wrong thing, making a situation worse or not knowing where the boundaries of their role begin and end.

Headtorch Aware removes these barriers through straightforward, practical learning that develops confidence rather than turning managers into mental health experts.

Participants explore:

• What mental health is and isn’t
• Recognising signs that someone may be struggling
• How to have supportive and effective conversations
• Building mental fitness and resilience
• Confidentiality and legal responsibilities
• Understanding the manager’s role and appropriate boundaries

Learning is brought to life through immersive drama, realistic workplace scenarios and opportunities to practise skills in a safe environment.

People don’t just leave organisations. More often, they leave managers.

Research consistently shows that managers have a profound impact on employee wellbeing, engagement and performance.

Many managers recognise the importance of supporting wellbeing but lack the confidence to act.

Common concerns include:

• “What if I say the wrong thing?”
• “What if I make the situation worse?”
• “I don’t have time for these conversations.”
• “I’m not a mental health professional.”

At the same time, research from The Workforce Institute by UKG found that managers impact employees’ mental health (69%) as much as a spouse or partner (69%), and more than doctors (51%) or therapists (41%).

Headtorch Aware gives managers the confidence, language and practical skills to support their people appropriately, strengthening relationships, building trust and creating healthier workplace cultures.