What is signposting?
Signposting is simply directing someone to support that is available to them. It’s most often used in respect to mental health, for example signposting to a therapist, their GP or employee assistance helpline counselling services but the options are much wider than that .
For example, if a person is experiencing financial concerns or relationship stress, these things may well be impacting on their mental health and signposting to mental health services can help but it might be more helpful to signpost on to relevant agencies like Citizens Advice or relationship support services like Relate. It can also be as simple as pointing them in the direction of someone in the organisation who is better equipped to help, like HR, health & safety or accounts.
What should I know?
There’s no need to know every different option for support out there, it’s not realistic or helpful. But having a few key playing in mind can be good and then simply doing a web search based on whatever the circumstances are will give you what you need.
When signposting it’s important not to get too hung up on the end result or whether or not advice is taken.
Giving advice can be helpful but it can be worth saying “I have an idea of what might help, mind if I share it?” because people don’t always want suggestions or advice. You may also find that the person doesn’t do anything or even seem to listen, this can be frustrating but remember, it’s their decision. All you can do is offer the options and allow them to do what they want with that information.
Writing the options down allows a person to refer back later and increases the likelihood of them contacting someone.
Where can I find support?
This list isn’t exhaustive but gives you an idea of what support is out there and how to access it.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
Before reaching out to any kind of support, whether it’s just a friend, or an organisation, write down what is it you would like to get across and what you want to achieve.
