'I would look at a tree and wonder if it would hold my weight'

Mental health issues have really hit the news recently, with some quite tragic consequences. And it’s not just celebrities that are affected, with suicide being the biggest killer of men aged under 40 in the UK today. It seems like the problem is widespread and certainly, greenkeepers are finding themselves under increasing and often unwarranted and unreasonable pressure.

 

The weather’s changing, the economy is struggling and tools that greenkeepers have historically used are being removed, making their jobs even more difficult.

 

This week’s episode of the podcast, was recorded at BTME on the Green Room Podcast Live stage, where Curtis Tyrrell sat down with Mick Davie, the head greenkeeper at Hazel Grove who set up a group to allow greenkeepers to support each other through difficult times. In recognition of his efforts, Mick was awarded the Outstanding Contribution of the Year award at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration.

 

Also on stage was Heather Mulley, manager at Enville Golf Club and Simon Smith, PGA professional and general manager at Aston Wood.

 

Each is able to provide an insight into their own experiences with overcoming mental illness, with the main message being that it’s good to talk. So before I go, I just wanted to remind you that we’ve got a HR helpine where BIGGA members can get free advice and support. We’ve also got the Benevolent Fund that is intended to help out members who encounter difficult moments and need financial support.

HR hotline

 

BIGGA has teamed up with Xact to provide every greenkeeper member with access to free help and advice that will make your workplace a more professional and positive environment. 

 

A team of qualified advisers will be on hand to assist BIGGA members with any HR problems that arise, with instant advice just a phone call away.

 

From harassment and bullying at work, to help with employee handbooks or discussing your entitlement to paternity and maternity leave, a dedicated team of advisors is on hand at no additional cost to you – it’s all included in your BIGGA membership. The advisors can help from the very early stages through to the conclusion of the matter and unlimited telephone and email advice is available for each case.

 

For more information, head to the Member Services & Benefits section of the BIGGA website.

Podcast

The Green Room Golf Course Podcast is produced by Karl Hansell on behalf of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association.

For questions, comments or concerns, you can get in touch by emailing karl@bigga.co.uk.

You can also join the conversation on social media using @GreenRoomBIGGAon Twitter we’ve also got a Facebook page where all the latest notices, news releases and information from BIGGA can be found. We’re also on Instagram using @BIGGA_HQ.

Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. The more people know about the sports turf industry, the more understanding they will have about the hard work of BIGGA members and other greenkeepers.

If you’d like to get in contact about any other aspect of your BIGGA membership, including member benefits, support, or learning and development, call 01347 833800 or email info@bigga.co.uk

You can also get more information about BIGGA and how it can improve your career and your course by heading to our website.