We are joined by the amazing Jill and Lorna from Pure Innovations

Pure Innovations objective is clear

They believe that everyone deserves a life filled with meaning, opportunity, and belonging. Their approach centres around the individual, ensuring they have fair and equal access to the everyday, ordinary aspects of life that everyone values. They support people to live purpose-driven lives, where they can:

Tell us a little about who you are and the job you do?

We are Jill and Lorna and we work for a company called Pure Innovations, and our head office is based in Stockport. We have lots of different divisions within the business, offering support to people in the community, often located in park based cafes, which offers a really lovely place to support individuals struggling with their work skills and help them build on their experience. We also have wellbeing teams all around Manchester that provide people with support when needed, and we even have a division that offer arts and crafts classes, supporting people who might be more interested in being creative. Outside of this we have the supported internships, which help young people into work. We also have the college in Stockport that help individuals get qualifications and ultimately become ‘work ready’. Finally there’s our division that work with referral patients from the NHS mental heath teams, dealing with people who were unwell, but are starting to get better and just need a bit of support finding employment. We work closely with employers such as Proceed Solutions to try and create work opportunities for our clients, and then support them once in employment.

How long have you been in your industry?

Lorna – I’ve been with Pure Innovations for a while and doing this job since November 2023

Jill – I started with Pure Innovations about two and a half years ago, I was an employment officer at first working in Tameside, helping people with autism and learning difficulties getting into work. I then did a small stint on supported internships in Salford and I’ve been with this team since November last year.

What makes the company you represent unique in relation to mental health?

Jill – I think what makes us unique is that we are completely person centred. We align our goals to their goals without having any restrictions. We really listen to our clients and we are encouraged to do that through Pure Innovations. We have an amazing manager, Andrea, who supports us with everything, not just client related, she supports us with our needs too. This support comes right from the top of the business from both Andrea and her manager Ben who are both brilliant.

Tell us something most people won’t know about you, something fun. A fun fact or past life. 

Lorna – A fun fact that most people won’t know about me is, just before lockdown I took part in a weight lifting competition. I actually came 3rd in my category which I’m really proud of. It was a brilliant competition to take part in, I had to do squats, deadlifts and Bench presses. It was really difficult but fun and definitely something most people won’t know about me.

As part of the Breathe Out initiative, which highlights the positive impact of talking to someone, especially if you are struggling and also being active. How important are these two factors of combatting mental ill-health to you?

Jill – If I think about myself, I just know how much better I feel after having a conversation and opening up. I’ve been lucky enough to have been referred to people that can help me. Even in the job we do, we know how important it is to talk to each other.

Lorna – I feel just being out in the open, getting some fresh air can really help with taking your mind off things. You don’t need to go the gym or run a marathon, sometimes just getting some steps in can help take your mind of things and help you think clearly. There’s something about being in nature that can really help you.

In business there is a stigma attached to people with mental health issues. Why do you think that is?

Lorna – I think there’s a lack of understanding and knowledge. I think that it’s improving, and people are getting more knowledgeable, but, people tend to label people which is not helpful.

Jill – I think we can impact this with the work we do, especially when working with employers. Honestly though, what’s really encouraging is that lots of the companies we work with are really progressive and forward thinking.  Companies like Proceed Solutions have support systems in place, mental health first aiders and initiatives such as Breath Out, which demonstrates how far we’ve come. Thinking back to when I started working back in the 80’s, no one talked about their feelings. We’re not where we need to be but we’ve come a long way.

What tips or guidance could you offer other people who are maybe struggling with their own mental health.

Lorna – Find someone you can talk to, get your troubles of your chest and share your problems. The benefits of talking are huge and we need to do it more, especially if you are struggling. We encourage it not only in our work environment, but also with our clients.