Northwest-based volunteer, Louise Kenny, recently had the privilege of representing Women in Transport at the “Let’s Talk About Mental Health” event - an inspiring evening of conversation on Time to Talk Day. Hosted by Manchester Airport Group’s Mental Health Colleague Resource Group in partnership with Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter, the event took place in the iconic Concorde Hanger in Altringham, offering a unique backdrop for meaningful conversations.
The evening commenced with a panel discussion and provided valuable networking opportunities with prominent industry leaders in aviation. The grand finale was a guided tour of the legendary Concorde, the flagship of the British Airways fleet.
Louise reflects on her experience at the event:
“I feel fortunate to have been invited to the Let’s Talk About Mental Health event with Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter. A gathering of inspirational women shared their personal stories, fostering empowerment and emphasising the need to focus on building resilience within the workforce.
“Whilst we often prioritise physical safety, the importance of psychological safety is often overlooked. The event prompted us to consider the wellbeing of employees who may be feeling stressed, drained or fatigued and how we respond to that as organisations. We might encourage them to seek medical support or take time off only to return to the same unhelpful environment they left. Without a shift in organisational culture, the outcomes remain unchanged.”
The evening’s keynote speaker, Jaz Ampaw-Farr, a multi-award-winning Speaker of the Year, set an empowering tone with her opening line: “You are only as powerful as the stories you tell.” Her emphasis on being comfortable in your own skin, rather than simply confident, resonated strongly for Louise. Jaz’s journey to achieving the “Speaker of the Year” accolade was routed in bravery and the courage to be comfortable, she explains. This is an approach Louise is adopting by making “be 10% braver” her mantra.
Jackie Carter from the University of Manchester shared insights on the Disability Confident Charter and led a thought-provoking discussion on Intersectionality, a concept coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw. Highlighting the importance of fixing systems rather than individuals, Jackie's closing remarks urged businesses to make adaptations that allow those with disabilities to thrive at work.
A panel discussion followed, featuring representatives from organizations such as BAE Systems and AECOM, sharing their experiences in implementing mental health programs in the workplace.
Sumati Sharma, Founder and Co-Chair of the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter left a lasting impression with her emphasis on regular Work Team Temperature Checks to assess team well-being. This was a “pinch with pride” takeaway for Louise.
The evening also celebrated the iconic Concorde, an iconic piece of engineering history. It sparked a nostalgic debate on the preference between a Concorde flight and a one-hour Zoom call Louise explained. “It was a reminder of the rapid technological changes in our world that contributed to the decline of this remarkable machine. I’d choose the Concorde flight if it were within budget!”
Louise concludes that the "Let’s Talk About Mental Health" event facilitated important conversations, providing a platform for diverse voices to discuss and address mental health challenges in the aviation and aerospace industry with lessons that can be shared across transport. The evening served as a reminder that fostering a supportive and resilient workforce requires ongoing commitment and meaningful dialogue.
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