I wasn't sure if I should write this blog, but after the positive reaction from a recent post on my LinkedIn account, I realised there is an appetite to talk about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and what a good employer looks like. I mean, who doesn’t want an understanding, empathetic and supportive employer, right?

After months of trauma in my personal life leaving me feeling powerless in terms of staying safe and trying to deal with daily triggers, I somehow landed myself my dream job as Corporate Communications Manager at Leeds Trinity University. Last year I was invited to the University’s flagship Journalism and Media Week to talk about my 20-year career in Public Relations. The experience was wonderful, everyone was welcoming, everything was organised brilliantly, the students asked the best questions I have heard, and it left a lasting impression in that I wanted to work for Leeds Trinity and be part of that team of people.

The interview was done over Teams which suited me because at that point I hadn’t left my house for weeks, and unknown to me at the time I was in the midst of the trauma process. The interview consisted of two people from the Marketing and Communications department, one being the line manager of the role I was applying for, and a member of the HR team, which is usually a scary person staring down at you. This was different, all three put me at ease right away. I know conveying such warmth virtually can be a challenge, but I left feeling uplifted and positive and now I really wanted the job more than anything.

Between the time of the interview and my start date, I was in daily contact with the police, Paladin Stalking Service, Victim Support and other agencies concerning the distressing situation in my personal life, but none made me feel any safer.

On 4 July, I found myself walking into the reception of my new workplace. I was nervous about telling my employer what had been happening as I felt I was somehow at fault, or it could cost me my new role and perhaps they wouldn't understand or care.

I was greeted by my new line manager with a huge smile and warm welcome. I instantly felt valued and somehow knew I would be ok here. I decided to have an honest chat with her on my first day! The support was incredible and for the first time in months I realised I was a victim of behaviour completely out of my control.

The safeguarding measures my manager and employer put in place has helped me to trust and feel like me again. I was listened to without judgement, there was empathy and I was asked if there was anything they could do right away to help. I was offered various options to help manage the distress I was going through and generally feel safe and supported at work.

As well as tailored options to an individual’s situation, there are various resources and apps available to all staff as part of the benefits of being a Leeds Trinity employee, as well as access to talking therapy and onsite first aiders.

I also discovered I was getting to know new colleagues who had come from careers in policing, law firms and were psychology specialists who taught our students. All showed compassion and signposted me to external help that was useful. For the first time in months, I woke up looking forward to the day ahead and being part of this great team of people.

I have just completed my first three months in my role as Corporate Communications Manager at Leeds Trinity University and couldn't ask for a better team and organisation with an ethos that oozes humanity.

After months of hiding away, feeling powerless and asking friends and family not to disclose where I worked, I unlocked my social media accounts, and felt safe and supportive to finally celebrate and shout about my new role and the value and joy it’s brought back into my life.

Sofia Cann, Corporate Communications Manager at Leeds Trinity University.