Opinion

D&I Task Group dial up the dialogue on mental health in the oil and gas industry

OGUK announces that its Diversity & Inclusion Task Group will deliver a free online event exploring how the industry supports the mental health of its colleagues, on Monday 18 January.
The hour-long session will include insight from leading voices on the topic from within the oil and gas industry and beyond, including Harry Bos (UK manager flight operations, CHC), Steve Beedie (mental wellness influencer and speaker), Paul Craig (safety manager, North Star Shipping), Dr. Ada Ifezulike (family physician/GP and lifestyle medicine physician).
The D&I Task Group was set up by OGUK in 2019 to bring together industry and drive action on diversity and inclusion. The Task Group includes representatives from OGUK member organisations and is supported by OGUK, the Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC), Axis Network, and the Scottish arm of AFBE-UK.
Craig Shanaghey, Wood’s President of operations across Europe, Middle East & Africa, and D&I Task Group chair, said:
“It is well reported that the COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant mental health challenge – it is sobering to know that not many will have been able to avoid some degree of mental health struggle over the past year.
“As a task force we have an opportunity to dial up the dialogue on the mental health challenges faced by those working in our industry, recognising that each individual, and their personal attributes and circumstances, needs different focus and support.
“We’re delighted to be joined by a panel of expert speakers from a variety of backgrounds to discuss the topic. Their insight will be key as we explore the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of the diverse people working in the UK energy industry, and how we can learn to do better as we navigate towards a post-pandemic world.”
The session will be chaired by Mavis Anagboso, OGUK Diversity & Inclusion Task Group member and managing director, TOJU Consulting.
To register, please visit: https://bit.ly/3ol9Igu.