The death of Ashley Close profoundly affected Holiday Extras, prompting an earnest commitment to mental health awareness. His passing spurred an organisational initiative focused on men’s mental health, a once-taboo topic now openly discussed amongst staff.
Through establishing support groups, ‘walk and talk’ sessions, and activities like craft nights, Holiday Extras seeks to foster community and prevent mental health issues. This initiative underscores a broader cultural shift within the company towards prioritising employee well-being, illustrating a sincere response to a deeply personal loss.
The Impact of Ashley Close’s Passing
Ashley Close, a highly regarded member of the Holiday Extras team, passed away at 43. His untimely death was a profound loss for the organisation, affecting team members from executives to new hires. His dedication over 11 years included roles such as Head of Travel Insurance Partnerships.
The news of Close’s passing ignited discussions within Holiday Extras about men’s mental health, bringing forward issues often left unspoken. The need for an organisational approach to mental well-being became apparent.
Formalising Support for Mental Health
Under the leadership of Lindsay Garvey-Jones, Holiday Extras has taken decisive steps to create a supportive environment for men’s mental health. This has involved forming men’s support groups, an initiative directly arising from the impact of Close’s death.
The ‘walk and talk’ sessions, where participants are encouraged to bring their dogs along, provide an informal yet impactful space to discuss personal challenges. These sessions are aimed at normalising mental health discussions among men.
In addition to these walks, other activities such as craft nights have been organised, helping build a cohesive support network within the company.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness
Holiday Extras’ new initiative focuses on removing the stigma around discussing mental health in the workplace.
Regular men-only sessions encourage open communication, fostering an environment where employees feel safe to express their struggles.
The organisation emphasises prevention, aiming to equip their workforce with the tools they need to manage mental health proactively.
Continued Industry Connections
Although Ashley Close departed the travel industry in 2018, he maintained strong ties with his colleagues and peers. These connections have been crucial in the healing and support processes at Holiday Extras.
The initiative to address mental health has extended beyond the company, serving as a beacon for others in the industry who seek to support their staff better.
The Role of Community and Prevention
A key component of the initiative has been fostering a sense of community among Holiday Extras staff.
By focusing on prevention and support, the company aims to mitigate the impact of mental health issues on their workforce.
This proactive approach is reflective of a broader cultural change within the company, highlighting the importance of mental health in overall employee satisfaction and productivity.
A Family-Oriented Approach
Holiday Extras views its staff as a family, a sentiment echoed throughout their organisational practices.
This perspective is integral to how the company has approached the mental health initiative, ensuring that support is accessible to all.
The inclusive nature of the support groups and activities represents a significant cultural shift within the company.
Industry-Wide Implications
This initiative by Holiday Extras sets a precedent within the travel industry, highlighting the critical role mental health plays in a successful organisation.
In conclusion, Holiday Extras’ response to Ashley Close’s death has been to foster a culture of support and openness around mental health issues. Their proactive initiatives serve as valuable examples for the broader industry, acknowledging the integral role that mental health plays in organisational life. This commitment to employee well-being not only honours Close’s memory but also positions the company as a leader in employee care practices.
