Sales Coordinator Ruta Mickute and Property Manager Louis Farquharson have been appointed to the newly created roles, which will see them lead and deliver a wide-ranging Wellbeing Strategy and a series of initiatives aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of the agency’s 100+ employees.

Johns&Co’s Wellbeing Strategy, which was launched last year at the height of the pandemic, has already introduced several initiatives that are proving popular amongst staff, including a partnership with mental health service Plumm, an app which offers one-to-one video therapy sessions, chat therapy, therapist-led online psycho-educative courses, guided meditations and live monthly events.

As well as supporting mental health, the app also offers opportunities to grow self-confidence, motivation and leadership skills, enhancing wellbeing but also supporting career development.

Events of the last two years prompted us to take steps to enhance the support we provide to our staff in relation to their mental health and wellbeing.”

Clynton Nel, Residential Director at Johns&Co, said, “Events of the last two years, which were challenging for us all, prompted us to take steps to enhance the support we provide to our staff in relation to their mental health and wellbeing. Whilst the worst of the pandemic is hopefully behind us, the need for continued support in this area is paramount – not least with consideration to current global circumstances.”

Since launching the partnership with Plumm last summer, there has been an overwhelming response from staff, with over half of the business using the services on offer including one-to-one virtual therapy sessions, chat therapy, online wellbeing courses and meditation.

Ruta Mickute, Sales Coordinator and Wellbeing Ambassador at Johns&Co, said, “I have always had an interest in health and wellbeing so was keen to volunteer for the role as Wellbeing Ambassador when the opportunity came up. Having used many of the services on offer through our partnership with Plumm, including guided meditation and therapy sessions, I am looking forward to encouraging my colleagues and peers to make use of the services and hope to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of staff across the agency.”

Louis Farquharson, Property Manager and Wellbeing Ambassador at Johns&Co, said, “I hope my role as an Ambassador will help to break down some of the industry-wide stigmas associated with therapy, mental health and wellbeing and raise awareness of the services that are on offer. Ruta and I have lots of ideas we are keen to implement and look forward to bringing these forward over the coming months.”