Blazing a trail for mental health
Hello – I’m Jo Wood. I founded Insight2 Mental Health in 2020, after my role as deputy HR director for a large NHS hospital saw me in charge of staff wellbeing throughout the world’s first modern-day pandemic.
With a seemingly insurmountable challenge ahead, I developed a hugely successful programme of investment that supported more than 11,000 NHS staff through a period of significant trauma.
We all have mental health, and we can all experience overwhelm and burnout: the difference is, do you recognise the signs and take action to protect yourself – or do you ignore them and press on?
It happened to me, when I experienced my own burnout in 2018.
I had a particularly demanding job, and the cumulative impact of stress, pressure and overwork led me to stop functioning, overnight.
It’s my 30-year career that gives me the insight into the policy and process aspects of HR – but it’s my experience of burnout that gives me the insight into what it means to go from high-flying, fully functioning executive to wondering if I’d make it through the morning.
Though I’m fully recovered, the experience emphasised the importance of supporting staff wellbeing – and reinforced my desire to help thousands more people recognise that, when it comes to mental health, prevention is always better than cure.
And Insight2 Mental Health was born!
Achieving mental wellbeing… on a grand scale
We’re living at a time when mental health and wellbeing are constantly challenged by the pressures of day-to-day life – in a world where conflict is rife, the economy is unstable and climate change threatens our very existence.
It’s no wonder mental illness is dramatically on the rise.
Your staff know how to keep themselves physically well: healthy eating, regular exercise, plentiful sleep. But do they know how to keep themselves mentally well?
Businesses that don’t care for their staff experience significantly more absenteeism and presenteeism, and less loyalty and productivity.
The good news is, 83 per cent of global businesses now have a wellbeing strategy* (up 25 per cent since 2020). It’s a step in the right direction – but it’s not enough.
That’s what I’m here for.
If you always do what you’ve always done…
Being the best employee, partner, family member or friend means keeping yourself mentally well – and doing so means changing unhelpful, ingrained habits.
My interactive and enjoyable mental health training makes the process of creating positive change for your staff both painless and fun.
Why choose Insight2 Mental Health?
If you’re looking for qualifications, you’re in the right place. I’m…
- an experienced Adult and Youth Instructor with Mental Health First Aid England
- a Thrive Neurodiversity Instructor
- an Associate Tutor with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education & Training (NCSPE&T)
- a Member of the British Menopause Society
- a Human Givens Psychotherapist
- a Grief First Aider with Cruse Bereavement Support
- a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
- a TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) Practitioner
Perhaps you value experience over education:
- 30 years working for the NHS
- 23 years in healthcare HR
- Strategic responsibility for the wellbeing of 11,000 NHS staff during Covid
- Five years supporting businesses through Insight2 Mental Health
Or maybe you’re more interested in what my clients say about working with me:
Whether you want mental health, neurodiversity, suicide-prevention or menopause training for your business, or supportive therapy for yourself, let’s talk.
“We’ve worked with Jo for a few years now, for different elements of our wellbeing initiatives and workshops, including mental health first aid training.
“Jo’s delivery caters to many different learning styles. She strikes the perfect balance of communicating key learning points while reminding delegates of the need to practise self-care during the sessions. I have no hesitation in recommending her for her breadth and depth of knowledge.”
“Epping Forest District Council has worked with Jo since 2020. In those four years we have had absolutely superb training, advice and support from Jo to successfully deliver our MHFA strategy.
“As well as training over 90 MHFAs, Jo provides CPD through masterclasses and runs our regular MHFA community networking events. She is supportive, professional and responsive, and brings a wealth of expertise to our organisation.”
“Jo has been an invaluable asset to Pilgrim’s Europe, delivering exceptional training in mental health first aid, mental health awareness and menopause awareness.
“Her dedication and commitment were evident as she travelled across the country, providing support and guidance to our teams at various sites.
“Jo’s wealth of knowledge – combined with her brilliant delivery and people skills – not only empowered our newly trained mental health first aiders but also significantly increased mental health buy-in across our business. Her ability to connect with people and make complex topics accessible has made a lasting impact on our organisation.”
“Jo helped us create a bespoke mental health awareness training course that we can deliver to new managers across the company. She spent half a day in our office delivering a train-the-trainer session, to make sure we had the confidence and knowledge to provide the training.
“Jo is an absolute pleasure to work with, and the resources and support she provided were perfect for what we needed.”
“Jo was recommended to us at the beginning of our journey into improving the health and wellbeing offering to our employees. She has delivered many mental health first aid sessions across different areas of our business – all with amazing feedback – and continues to support us with updates, resources and information.
“Jo is down to earth, relatable and engaging, and approaches all sessions and employees with sensitivity and empathy, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and safe. I cannot recommend Jo enough!”
