Charlotte Peachey’s story
Igniting open conversations around workplace wellbeing
We had the opportunity to speak with Charlotte Peachey, a freelance professional working in the film and TV industry. She shared her journey with mental health challenges and how completing the MHFA England® training has empowered her to support herself and others in a high-pressure work environment.
Charlotte undertook her MHFA® training in February 2024, which has profoundly impacted her approach to mental health, both personally and professionally.
Reflecting on her experience, Charlotte shared,
"The course was absolutely incredible; as someone who has struggled with mental ill health for many years, it was so helpful and refreshing to be taught more about areas that I am familiar with, but also the opportunity to gain more knowledge about various other important areas too."
Charlotte found the course particularly empowering in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.
"I really appreciated how the course emphasised that many who struggle with poor mental health often find it difficult to reach out due to the negative stigma that is still attached to mental ill health as a whole; sometimes it’s good to check-in with those around you and genuinely ask how they are doing – this gives them an opportunity to open up, express how they are feeling and think about the next steps they can take in order to feel well within themselves again."
This approach has been crucial in her role, where she often witnesses the pressures of the industry affecting her colleagues. In one instance, Charlotte noticed a fellow runner becoming overwhelmed during a particularly stressful day.
"They became very quiet and withdrawn, and I asked how they were doing. They were on the verge of panicking as their mind had gone blank and they felt they weren’t good enough to be on this production."
Drawing on her MHFA training, Charlotte was able to step in and offer support using the ALGEE® framework.
"Using my MHFA training, I tried to incorporate the ALGEE concept into the conversation, which I felt very reassured in using as I was actually able to properly listen and support. By the end of the conversation, we both felt quite relieved to have had each other to talk through what we had experienced, how it impacted our ability to work, affected our overall functioning and what steps could be taken to regain good mental health."
Through experiences like these, Charlotte recognised how the MHFA course had not only equipped her with the skills to handle such situations with empathy and compassion but also empowered her to feel more confident in supporting her peers.
"The course made me feel more validated and confident within myself to use my personal and learned experience from the course to be more mindful of others and ways in which to effectively support those around me when they need it."
Given the positive impact the training has had on her, Charlotte strongly recommends MHFA England training to others, seeing it as a vital resource across all sectors.
"I would highly recommend MHFA England training to everyone across all sectors and industries; it’s so important that there is greater awareness and understanding of mental health. It is not just physical health that is paramount, but the combination of good mental health as well."
Here at MHFA England, we offer expert guidance and training to give people the skills to spot the signs of poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation and the knowledge to signpost to professional help. Because we know that the right support can make a lasting difference. To workplaces. To individuals. And to society.