Report - How Are You Really?: Exploring Mental Health in Public Services
- Jordan Binedell
- May 15
- 2 min read
Updated: May 28
Mutual Ventures launches a new report exporing mental health in the workplace within public services, and what approaches organisations can take to support the workforce.
At Mutual Ventures, we are interested in understanding more about the experience of those working in public services and how this work relates to, and effects, their mental health.
Our latest report, Exploring Mental Health in Public Services delves into the growing pressures faced by frontline staff and public sector leaders. To help inform our thinking in this report, we shared a survey with those working in the public sector that focused on how work impacted their mental health and the type/quality of support their got from their organisations.
Our survey highlighted several critical issues affecting mental health in public service:
Workload and Organisational Culture: 78% of respondents identified workload and poor organisational culture as major factors impacting their mental health. Many reported feeling overwhelmed by the volume of work and the pressure to perform, leading to lower productivity and decreased motivation.
The Nature of the Work: Respondents working in high-stress environments, such as those dealing with vulnerable populations, reported feeling stressed and burnt out.
Need for Better Mental Health Support: 80% of respondents called for improved mental health support, including regular mental health check-ins, better communication, and genuine cultural changes.
Our report also features inspiring case studies from two charities making significant strides in mental health support:
nurtureuk: Arti Sharma, Chief Executive of nurtureuk, shares how its fully remote team has built a strong sense of connection through everyday communication and a values-driven culture. The nurture approach places relationships at the heart of education, helping children feel safe, valued, and understood.
Navigo: Simon Beeton, Chief Executive of Navigo, describes its holistic mental health offer, centred on housing, employment, and community support. Navigo's community-driven approach has led to exceptional performance and high staff satisfaction.
As part of the report, we have shared the Mutual Ventures Workforce Wellbeing Toolkit, which aims to help organisations improve their wellbeing offers. This practical resource helps local authorities understand their existing wellbeing offer and identify areas for improvement. By using this toolkit, organisations can create a supportive work environment that enhances staff resilience, engagement, and performance.
Our report is not intended to be a critique, but rather a conversation starter. We hope it sparks fresh thinking, honest conversations, and a renewed commitment to supporting the people who support everyone else. At Mutual Ventures, we are committed to creating a supportive, healthy working culture where everyone can thrive.
Mental health support is an ongoing commitment, and we hope this report helps keep that conversation going in your teams, organisations, and across the sector.
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