This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re turning the spotlight on Hannah Hilditch, our Health & Wellbeing Champion at AES Solar.
While we know mental health matters every day, this week offers a vital opportunity to reflect, raise awareness, and reaffirm our commitment to our team’s mental health & wellbeing. To mark the occasion, we sat down with Hannah to learn more about her role and hear about her recent initiatives. We also discussed the importance of building a culture of care at AES, where people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
Meet Our Health & Wellbeing Champion
Hi Hannah! Can you tell us a little about your role as AES Solar’s Health & Wellbeing Champion?
Absolutely! My role is to help promote and support the physical and mental health & wellbeing of our team here at AES Solar. I create space for important conversations around mental health, encouraging activities that support personal wellbeing, and making sure staff know what support is available. I’m here to listen, advocate, and create a healthier workplace for everyone. It’s a really rewarding role and one I’m incredibly passionate about.
How does AES Solar support mental health as part of our health & wellbeing initiatives?
Mental health is something AES Solar has always taken seriously, although we really ramped up our efforts in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and never looked back. Perhaps most obviously, I should mention the introduction of my role as designated Health & Wellbeing Champion! As part of my role, I am allocated time during work hours to focus on making our staff’s wellbeing a priority, with zero expectation to carry out these tasks outside of work.
In addition to this, we have also trained 8 Mental Health First Aiders from across the business, including our installation team – more on why that’s important later. As part of their training, our first aiders are available to talk, listen, and offer support whenever someone needs it. Every staff member also receives mental health awareness training, so we’re all better equipped to look out for one another and ourselves. And finally, we have our health & wellbeing events and activities, such as group lunches and walks, that facilitate opportunities for meaningful connection and conversation – often in nature!
Breaking Down the Stigma in Construction
Do you think that kind of support is particularly important in our industry?
Definitely. The construction sector can be particularly challenging with its pressures, deadlines, physical labour and long hours. It’s also an industry that still has a predominantly male workforce, and those who are expected to behave in traditionally ‘masculine’ ways are often shaped more by social pressures and stigma. The truth of the matter is that people working in or around construction are statistically more likely to face mental health issues. That’s why creating a culture where people feel safe to speak up and seek support isn’t just important, it’s essential.
What are you most proud of in your role so far?
I’m most proud of how far we’ve come as a team and the open culture we have managed to grow over time. Our staff are more willing than ever to be honest about how they are feeling. I truly believe that when we see others being open around u,s it encourages us to do the same. I also believe this dynamic is a large contributing factor to our success when it comes to staff retention.
Additionally, seeing people embrace our wellbeing activities is a real highlight for me, with strong attendance and participation a good sign we’re on the right path. There’s a real sense that we’re breaking down the stigma around mental health and building something really positive together.
Future-proofing our Culture of Care at AES Solar
Any exciting upcoming plans?
Funny you should mention that! This Friday (May 16th), we have our first Active Commute day of the year. On these days we encourage as many staff members as possible to commute to the office via an active mode of “transport” – this could be walking, running, cycling or skipping! This is not only great for our mental and physical health it also reduces our carbon footprint too. A win for us and the planet!
I am also planning our next social walk and have exciting ambitions to implement a veggie & herb garden on our premises, fully accessible to our staff.
Introducing Our 2025 Charity of the Year
Any final words for Mental Health Awareness Week?
Be kind to yourself and those around you. Everyone always looks at where they want to be and how to get there, which can be overwhelming. But right now, you are here, and that’s just as important, too. And if you are struggling, just know that you’re not alone and help is available.
I’d also say to any other companies out there, especially in our sector, don’t wait for a crisis to take action. Staff training, support networks, and champion roles like this one really do make a difference. We’ve seen it first-hand.
Thanks, Hannah, you’re a constant source of support and positivity, and we appreciate everything you do!
As part of our continued commitment to mental health and wellbeing, we’re also proud to announce that our Charity of the Year for 2025 is Mikeysline.
This incredible Scottish mental health charity offers confidential text-based and face-to-face support for people experiencing emotional distress or struggling with their mental health. Based in the Highlands and working across the region and beyond, their mission resonates deeply with our own values.
Whether you’re having a tough day or going through something bigger, no matter how big or small the problem, Mikeysline is here for you every evening – just text 07786 207755.
Over the coming year, we’ll be supporting Mikeysline through awareness campaigns, fundraising and other events.
So, let’s keep pushing the conversation forward because together we can help break the silence, fight the stigma, and build a world where mental health is treated with the care and compassion it deserves
