When workplace pressures began to affect Ken’s mental health, the 67-year-old Health and Safety Advisor from Northumberland found himself struggling in ways he had never experienced before.
Ken had worked for his employer for several years, advising on health and safety across multiple sites. But since the pandemic, changes in systems, management restructuring, remote working, and even workplace intimidation had left him feeling increasingly overwhelmed.
Ken explained: “I just couldn’t cope anymore. I wasn’t sleeping, I was constantly anxious and dreading work. I’d never experienced feelings like that before in my life.”
The stress of work also resurfaced some difficult memories. During the pandemic, Ken experienced the sudden loss of his twin brother, followed a week later by the death of his father from COVID-19. Due to the restrictions in place at the time, he had been unable to arrange their funerals or say goodbye, carrying the guilt from that time without fully realising the impact.
By February 2025, Ken’s mental health had declined to the point where his GP signed him off work with work related stress. His mental health practitioner recommended that he contact Maximus and the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. After completing the online referral form, Ken was contacted by his dedicated coach, Alicia.
He recalled: “At the time I was having dark thoughts and barely sleeping. I would be awake for hours worrying and felt nervous about admitting that I could no longer cope with anything. When Alicia called, I was relieved – she listened without judgment and let me offload. That was a turning point, a real tonic.”
With Alicia’s support, Ken began accessing online wellbeing self-help tools, alongside regular check-ins that gave him the space to talk openly. Slowly his confidence and sense of self-worth began to return.
“One of the best things Alicia suggested was starting a ‘brag book’ – a collection of positive feedback, achievements and reminders of things I’ve done well. I add to it all the time. Even little things like my twin granddaughters saying that their Granda is the best because I’m the only one who gives them ice-cream! It’s become part of my recovery, and I look at it almost every day. It helps remind me of who I am.”
Although Ken has been off work for several months, he remains optimistic about returning:
“Since I started receiving support everything has changed. I’ve got my self-respect back and I’m feeling more confident and positive. The service has been the lifeline I needed, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is struggling with their mental health.”