03 Dec How Barcan+Kirby built a culture of wellbeing with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
When Barcan+Kirby first launched its Mental Health Committee and introduced Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA)in January 2019, the aim was simple: to create a workplace where people felt genuinely supported—emotionally, personally and professionally.
By July 2021, the committee had evolved into the Wellbeing and Mental Health Committee, reflecting a broader commitment to everyday wellbeing, not just responding to poor mental health. With strong volunteer engagement, it quickly became one of the firm’s most active and influential groups.
The Challenge
The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic was a turning point. Daily routines vanished, offices closed, and the informal wellbeing check-ins that happen naturally in the workplace disappeared. Isolation, uncertainty and the constant drumbeat of bleak news left many colleagues struggling.
Once the immediate crisis passed, a new challenge emerged: the cost of living crisis, which shifted the focus toward financial wellbeing and introduced new pressures for employees.
The Solution: Embedding Mental Health First Aid into everyday culture
To support its people, Barcan+Kirby committed to having at least two Mental Health First Aiders in each office across its five locations. These trained volunteers:
- Met monthly to share insights and learning
- Offered confidential support and signposting
- Ran firm-wide wellbeing initiatives
- Built visibility through internal communications
- Created safe spaces for colleagues to talk
- Launched The Monday Motivator newsletter during lockdown to boost morale
Over time, the Mental Health First Aiders evolved their skillset, adapting to new challenges and becoming a crucial support network across the firm.
My recent work with the team
As part of their ongoing commitment to wellbeing, I recently delivered both a Mental Health First Aider refresher and Mental Health Champion training to their team – strengthening their skills, refreshing their confidence and helping them continue to provide high-quality support for colleagues.
This renewed training is what inspired me to share this success story. Barcan+Kirby’s dedication to embedding wellbeing in their culture is a powerful example of how MHFA training continues to grow, evolve and make meaningful impact long after the initial sessions.
The Impact
The results speak for themselves:
- More open conversations: Staff are now more confident discussing their mental health.
- Reduced stigma: Mental health support has become a normal, accepted part of workplace culture.
- High engagement: The Wellbeing and Mental Health Committee remains one of the most popular at the firm.
- Better support pathways: Staff feel equipped to ask for help – whether the issue is personal or professional.
- Sustained wellbeing culture: Training, communication and leadership support have made wellbeing part of daily life.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight – it grew through consistent investment, dedicated volunteers and a genuine belief that wellbeing matters.
A workplace where people feel supported
Barcan+Kirby’s journey shows what’s possible when organisations make mental health and wellbeing a priority, not a tick-box exercise. Their Mental Health First Aiders are now a vital part of the firm’s culture, and their commitment to ongoing training ensures that support remains strong and relevant.
It’s been a privilege to continue supporting this journey – and I hope their success inspires more organisations to invest in Mental Health First Aid training, Wellbeing Champions and long-term workplace wellbeing strategies.
