Some functionality of the website is not currently available due to technical difficulties. We're working on fixing the issue.
A GROOMS LIFE BLOG

On the inside it can be a dark and lonely place

Regular BGA member and KBIS blogger Lucy Fletcher speaks out about mental health and well-being.

“Following Mental Health Awareness Week [May 2019] and the launch of Employers Minds this month I wanted to focus on a hugely important subject ‘Mental awareness at work’.

Sadly, the symptoms of mental health issues are too often missed because, in general, employers and employees are not trained to recognise the all-important signs that a work colleague may be suffering in silence.

It’s even harder when there may not be any visible signs, which is forgivable for missing, but I feel that all workplaces should be made aware of the warning signs that someone is suffering.

When we think of mental awareness and well-being at work it’s important not to forget that someone’s personal life can have a huge impact on their job.

  As a co-worker we need to be there to support and help where we can. We are all human and have ‘off days’ at work, we all make mistakes and we all have problems but this doesn’t mean there are any mental health or well-being issues associated with it.

But if someone is uncharacteristically quiet or withdrawn, over-reactive or struggling to cope with their usual work load it might feel a relief for them to talk to you if you approach it in the correct manner.

Mental health comes in all forms and severities but no matter how minor it may seem people need help and support as soon as possible to avoid escalation of the illness.

Mental health can be triggered off balance so easily, and it could just be something minor that sets it off.

In my experience the most targeted people are those who lack confidence, they are too afraid to speak up and this can cause all sorts of problems later in life. However if you’re reading and resonating with this do get help - speaking to the right people and getting support can turn a negative situation into a positive ending.

 

I had my confidence knocked hugely when I was 18. I was working as a trainee Vet Nurse and one of the vets there, a Scottish, fresh out of Vet School guy believed he was literally God’s gift, not to women necessarily, but to the veterinary hospital.

He would peacock into the practice with a strong scent of arrogance and air of grace about himself, I truly believe that he felt we should all bow down to this twenty something year old who clearly thought he was something he most definitely was not!

He slowly started to pick away at my confidence and this went on for some time.

Being young, I never mentioned it to anyone because I felt that he was higher in the pecking order than me and I would just be made to look and feel stupid.

Eventually I found it too much and ended up leaving a job that I adored all because of him.


I truly missed animal nursing for the next 22 years before the opportunity to do equine nursing came about and I felt I could restore that confidence. Don’t get me wrong, I still meet people who ‘peacock’ but I can deal with them and crush their feathery bloom back to where it should be if required!

This is a skill that clearly takes years but that is because all those years ago, I didn’t speak up or get the help I needed leaving me now feeling passionate that the correct support is available for all.

The BGA are doing a fantastic amount of work with mental awareness and well-being and this is something we all really need to put out there.

I opened up about my depression today for the first time on Facebook. In the past, it has always been something I have hidden and actually for those that do not know me well, wouldn’t even have a clue!

I always go into work with a smile on my face, laugh and enjoy life as much as I can and feel expelled to create a happy workplace.


But on the inside it can be a very dark and lonely place.

But by opening up I have been surprised at how many lovely family and friends have offered love and support to me. I still feel a little embarrassed that I have put it on social media but you know what – that’s me!

It doesn’t make me a bad person, it doesn’t hurt anyone or define who I am, but, it is hard when little comments that should mean nothing hit you like a dark arrow and can push you back into that lonely place.

But now I know I’m not alone and that there is so much out there to help people like me and others suffering in the same way.

So readers, remember those peacocks and how you need to keep them in check, never be afraid to speak your mind and there is always someone nearby to listen.

Do not be embarrassed or afraid because you will feel a huge release of pressure just by facing the issues and calling for help. Have a look at Grooms Minds – it really is fantastic what is in there.

And finally remember ‘It’s ok not to be ok.’

Lucy x

COME AND JOIN ME

 

 



BLOG ARCHIVE

 
BACK TO BLOG HOME
 
  

 

 

 

What the personal accident policy covers you for:

  • Whilst at work
  • All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
  • Clipping
  • Riding – including hacking and jumping
  • Hunting
  • Lunging
  • Breaking in
  • Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
  • Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
  • Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
  • Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor

What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:

  • Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
  • Stunt Riding
  • Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
  • Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
  • Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
  • Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance

If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.

   GROOM  RIDER  EMPLOYER

When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO

Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing.   
NO
 
YES

YES
 Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client.   
YES

NO

NO
Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name NO NO YES
Buy and sell horses NO YES YES