Hello I'm Mark 

With over 25 years of experience in the UK Health and Social Care sector, I've encountered various challenges, including periods of significant work-related stress. Towards the latter stages of the Covid pandemic, this stress reached a critical level.

In my previous management role within a homeless drug and alcohol recovery service, my teams faced daily crises, exacerbated by the pandemic as 90% of our partner community services closed their doors. As the pandemic waned, I realized I was teetering on the edge of burnout, though I didn't fully recognize it at the time. Despite this, I persisted for another six months, even declining additional service management positions offered by my employer.

Eventually, my GP diagnosed me with burnout, and my recovery journey spanned seven months. During this time, I focused on restoring my work-life balance, prioritizing activities like sports, regular exercise, healthier eating, and improved sleep. I transitioned to a non-management role within Mental Health Rehabilitation to facilitate this recovery.

It's common for professionals, leaders, and managers to face intense pressure and stress in their roles, which, if not managed effectively, can detrimentally affect various aspects of life, including health, relationships, and career. Unfortunately, many individuals experience burnout or worse as a result.

The typical recovery period from burnout in the UK spans 8 to 12 months, often involving medical interventions such as antidepressants and sleeping aids. Many professionals find it challenging to return to their previous roles or even contemplate doing so.

Drawing from my personal and professional experiences as a Health and Social Care Manager and Water Sports Instructor, as well as insights from leading stress physiologists, I've developed The Stress Management Program. This program aims to help individuals learn to identify and manage work-related stress confidentially, without further compromising their mental and physical well-being, personal life, relationships, or social life.

Through a structured approach comprising tools, steps, tasks, and strategies, the program empowers individuals to significantly reduce work-related stress, achieve a healthier work-life balance, and steer clear of potential burnout.

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Do I possess the qualifications and experience necessary to conduct The Stress Management Programme effectively?

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Yes, I possess both the qualifications and experience necessary to offer The Stress Management Programme. I've meticulously crafted the program myself, drawing upon my extensive background in Health and Social Care. Throughout my career, I've adeptly trained team members across various services, ensuring professionalism and facilitating their journey towards nationally recognized qualifications such as NVQs. Additionally, I've been instrumental in establishing and operationalizing services within the UK Health and Social Care sector, a testament to my proficiency in people skills and framework delivery.

My own journey in obtaining Health and Social Care qualifications demanded dedication and leveraged both current and prior experiences. Furthermore, as an internationally certified instructor for three water sports, I've had the privilege of guiding numerous individuals, from diverse backgrounds, through the exhilarating world of ocean sports. Training and mentoring individuals has been a cornerstone of my career for an extensive period.

Moreover, while I am not a certified psychologist, I hold the most relevant RQF Mental Health qualification. This accreditation bolsters my ability to provide effective support and guidance in managing stress and promoting mental well-being. Additionally, I've personally navigated through burnout stemming from work-related stress, offering me invaluable insight and empathy towards others experiencing similar challenges. This first-hand experience enhances my ability to support individuals in mitigating and preventing burnout within their professional lives.

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