Home care provider Walfinch is deepening its support for the mental health and wellbeing of its franchisees, carers and clients.

The Walfinch commitments come as the UK marks Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May).

Walfinch chief executive Amrit Dhaliwal said: “My experience in home care means I am aware of the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our carers, franchisees and clients.

“I vowed when I started my home care franchise, that I would take as much action as I could to promote mental health and wellbeing – not just by paying lip-service to the idea, but by taking practical measures.”

The commitments announced by Walfinch include: training more mental health first aiders; consulting care teams about workplace wellbeing; seeking customer feedback; listening to franchisees by establishing a Franchisee Advisory Council; promoting the value of the franchisee network; and encouraging a buddy system.

Dhaliwal added: “We’ll be encouraging franchisees – especially new ones – to talk to other franchisees in the network, who will understand their position and offer friendly peer support.

“I’m pleased at how we have worked to improve measures for the mental wellbeing of our franchisees and carers, but I am keen to ensure we maintain and deepen our support. Being complacent about mental health in the workplace is inhumane and unprofessional.”