Façade access maintenance specialist GIND UK and its installation partner Integral Cradles are marking World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October 2026 by focusing on the people their wellbeing programme was built for: their employees.

This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”. It asks organisations to listen to people’s own experiences of mental health and to let those voices shape the support on offer.

Wellbeing Time: one year on

It is now just over a year since both companies launched their Wellbeing Time initiative on World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. The initiative gives employees several additional half-day periods beyond their holiday entitlement, to use for their physical, mental and emotional health.

Since its launch, all staff across both businesses have been given several complimentary wellbeing half-days. Colleagues have used the time for activities including walking, sport, family commitments, and learning new skills.

In their own words

Aldara Jara Marugan, Maintenance Manager at GIND UK, has used Wellbeing Time to help balance her role as a mother with her work.

“Managing maintenance across a portfolio of buildings is a demanding job, and as a working mum there are always moments when it feels like you can’t be in two places at once. Wellbeing Time has made a real difference to that. I’ve used my half-days to be there for the things that matter at home, such as school events and simply spending proper time with my family, without having to choose between them and my work.”

“Knowing that time is there, and that the business genuinely wants us to use it, takes away a lot of pressure. I come back to work feeling more focused and more present, and I think that benefits my team and our clients as much as it does my family. It shows that the company is listening to what people really need.”

Listening, then acting

For Kevin Walton, Managing Director of Integral Cradles and GIND UK, this year’s theme reflects the thinking behind the initiative from the start:

“When we launched Wellbeing Time, we were clear that it had to be more than a gesture. The real measure of its success is what our people tell us. Hearing how colleagues have used that time, whether it’s with family, getting outdoors or simply resting, has been the most rewarding part of the past year.”

Kevin added:

“Listening only matters if it leads to change. We’ll keep asking our teams what support they need and we’ll keep adapting, because the people doing the work are the ones who know best what helps them.”

Continuing our support

GIND UK and Integral Cradles remain corporate supporters and donors to Samaritans, and continue to encourage open conversations about mental health across their sites and offices.

Supporting resources

Anyone experiencing mental health difficulties is encouraged to contact:

Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7 helpline)
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 58 58 58
Mind: 0300 123 3393