Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has been praised for the way it supports its people with in-house mental health support.

Speaking during Mental Health Awareness Week, colleagues told of how the company had helped them make positive changes in their lives.

Enfield-based TG Lynes has enlisted the help of psychodynamic counsellor Elliot Chapman, of Lexden Counselling, to deliver one-to-one sessions to colleagues to assist with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, low self-worth and stress.

Elliot visits TG Lynes once a fortnight to meet with anyone who wants support.

Michael Brett, who has been with TG Lynes for 33 years, sought help after feeling low during the pandemic.

Senior Sales Executive Michael, 53, said: “Speaking with Elliot has benefited me greatly in my personal and home life.

“I was going through a bad time during the pandemic and was stuck in a bit of a rut. I was in a real depression stage.

“Elliot has taught me how to handle situations differently and try things I never would’ve done otherwise.

“I now understand how to take a step back and take a breath.”

Another to have benefited from the sessions is Marketing Manager Laura Janaway.

Laura said: “There was a time just before Elliot came in that I was starting to get unhelpful thought patterns.

“Something would go wrong, as it does all the time in life, and then I would get a spiralling effect when I feared that many other areas of my life would go wrong.

“I wouldn’t have gone to see Elliot if the sessions weren’t on offer from TG Lynes because I always felt there were people worse off than me but, when the opportunity was presented, I decided to go ahead with the sessions.

“It really has been a huge change for the better in my life and I’m extremely grateful for TG Lynes for the opportunity.”

TG Lynes General Manager Andrew Ingram has been part of the business for nearly 20 years and believes the whole team has benefitted from the strengthening of the culture in recent years.

He added: “I’ve always been extremely proud to work for TG Lynes but the enhancements introduced in recent years have taken that to another level.

“We’ve always cared about our people but six years ago we made a conscious decision that we would actively support our colleagues even further, in and out of work.

“Everyone has embraced the changes and how they reflect modern society. The massive strides we have made are celebrated by everyone who works for the business and we know the fantastic progress will continue in the months and years to come.

“The values of TG Lynes are based around caring and it’s fantastic to be involved with a company which has that at the heart of its ethos.”

Elliot said he had seen around 25 different people since being engaged by TG Lynes last July.

He said: “The last two years have been extremely difficult for everyone and to see TG Lynes offer that additional support network to their colleagues is impressive.

“There is no doubt in my mind that there are people who say they have hugely benefitted from our sessions who wouldn’t have come to see me or someone offering similar without it being part of a work programme.”

Martin Hastings, Managing Director of TG Lynes, said counselling sessions are just one way in which TG Lynes supports its workforce, with financial advice and volunteering opportunities also available throughout the year.

He said: “A modern, responsible business is one which looks after its people and acknowledges that, sometimes, we all need a bit of support.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone and we’re committed to giving our employees opportunities to improve their personal lives, as well as their work.”

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.