Western Postform: embedding mental health into business culture
At Western Postform, mental health is not an initiative but part of everyday working life, supported through I Am Here and driven by a commitment to openness, trust, and meaningful connection. John Legg met Jenni Timony, I Am Here’s managing director at Western Postform’s HQ in Ballinaslow, Co Galway.
The team at Western Postform – three years on: more openness, stronger support, and earlier conversations
For many organisations across the construction supply chain, mental health is now firmly on the agenda – but translating awareness into meaningful, day-to-day support remains inconsistent.
Western Postform (WPF) has taken a more deliberate approach. The business has, over the past six years, worked with I Am Here to embed mental health into the fabric of its operations — focusing on building connection, confidence, and practical support within the workplace, not as a standalone initiative but as part of how the business runs.
The objective from the outset was clear, as WPF MD Alan O’Grady explains: “We didn’t want this to be a tick-box exercise. It had to be something real – something people trust and actually use when they need it. There’s no point encouraging people to speak up if there isn’t meaningful support behind it.”
Culture change over time
The impact has been cumulative rather than immediate. Initial scepticism, particularly within a production environment, was expected. Over time, as trust developed and confidentiality was reinforced, behaviours began to shift.
“It took time for people to believe it wasn’t just a poster on the wall – that we genuinely care and that support is really there. Once that trust builds, the whole culture starts to shift and people feel more comfortable opening up,” says Alan, “That sense of connection – between colleagues, management and external support – has been central to building trust.”
Approximately three years into the programme, the change became tangible. Today, the business operates with more open communication, increased peer-to-peer support, and greater confidence in raising issues early.
“You can see the difference on the floor. People really look out for each other now. It’s not something that’s forced – it’s just become part of how everyone works together,” says Olivia O’Grady.
From awareness to action
A consistent theme in WPF’s approach is the importance of follow-through.
Encouraging people to speak up is only effective if they are met with understanding and there is a clear, trusted next step.
The combination of internal support and external expertise ensures that employees are not left navigating challenges alone.
The emphasis is not on having all the answers, but on listening, connecting, and guiding people towards the right support when needed.
As Jenni explained: “It’s not always about formal support. In many cases, it’s about creating an environment where people feel heard, understood, and confident enough to have those conversations.”
Wsteren Postform’s Alan and Olivia O’Grady are possionate advocates of the I Am Here philospohy
Business impact
While the programme was introduced with wellbeing as the primary objective, the business impact has been clear. WPF reports higher levels of engagement, stronger retention, and a workforce that is more responsive during periods of pressure.
As Alan says: “A happy employee is a good employee. If someone is distracted by something outside work, that comes into their day with them. But if they can talk about it and deal with it, they’re more present, more focused, and more willing to step up when it matters.”
Extending beyond the workplace
An unintended but significant outcome has been the programme’s influence beyond the business itself.
Employees are applying what they have learned in their personal lives – supporting family members, engaging in community settings, and contributing to more open conversations around mental health.
“They take it home with them – into their families and their communities. That’s when you know it’s working, because it’s gone beyond the workplace,” says Olivia.
Conclusion
Six years on, WPF’s partnership with I Am Here has evolved into a core element of the business rather than a standalone initiative. The approach demonstrates that, within traditionally challenging sectors, it is possible to build a culture where mental health is addressed with the same intent and structure as other areas of operational performance.
Awareness alone does not change outcomes. Support needs to be visible, accessible, and embedded – and when it is, people respond. At its core, it is about connection – creating workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
We extend our thanks to Alan and Olivia at Western Postform, and Jenni from I Am Here for sharing such a valuable and practical insight into what meaningful cultural change looks like in action in our industry.
The expectation for businesses is shifting. Mental health can no longer sit on the sidelines as a policy or talking point – it must be built into how organisations operate day to day.
For those yet to take that step, the message is clear: the time to move from awareness to action is now.
