A MENTAL health organisation with operations in Batley has been hailed as one of the UK’s top companies – after completing an awards hat-trick.
Community Links has been recognised by Best Companies for its “outstanding” staff motivation and engagement.
Based on employee feedback, Best Companies identifies some of the country’s leading workplaces and sets a benchmark for large companies, charities and independent businesses nationwide to become recognised for employee satisfaction, motivation and wellbeing.
It’s the third year that Community Links has secured the national award.
In a further boost for the firm, Community links has also secured a place in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list.
Community Links is the only mental health organisation featured in the influential top 100, coming in at 67.
With more than 160 employees, the charity offers a series of services to support more than 800 people across Yorkshire and the Humber with mental health problems.
Community Links received the two-star status thanks to its focus on leadership, diversity, staff involvement and thorough training programmes tailored to individual needs.
Some 75% of staff at Community Links have experience of mental ill health – and it’s this first-hand experience that helps deliver high quality services.
Community Links provides cognitive-behavioural therapy, early intervention in psychosis, housing support, short and long-term hostels, dual diagnosis, alcohol services and help in dealing with a wide range of mental health issues.
Chief executive Jon Woolmore said: “This is the third year in a row that we’ve been awarded Best Companies accreditation and that really is down to our employees. Their commitment, energy and dedication to supporting each of our service users makes this organisation a success and we’re thrilled to be recognised for the happy workplace we have.”
One worker who has thrived at Community Links is Tricia Thorpe, of Leeds. Having experienced mental health problems for more than 20 years, Tricia was a service user at Community Links. With the help of the organisation, Tricia has recovered from her illness and was appointed by the company last year to a role which would see her provide training and support for staff and other mental health service users.
She said: “I used Community Links for five years and with their help and dedicated services, I was able to recover from my previous problems and now I’ve been a trustee and been able to start my very first job as consultant. I offer expertise and encouragement to inspire people to become involved in shaping the mental health services that use.”
More than 1,000 organisations nationwide applied for the Best Companies accreditation – but just 140 of them received a two star status – putting Community Links as the same bracket as some of the UK’s most recognisable brands.
