A top Cheshire hospitality company, who own The Wheatsheaf in Sandbach plus two other prestigious establishments in the area, are leading the way by reviewing their mental health policy and ensuring it keeps pace with change.

Pear Hospitality owners of The Wheatsheaf, the Lion & Swan in Congleton and Peck's in Brownlow Heath reviewed their mental health policy in view of Mental Health Awareness Week this week.

Jake Pear, managing director, said the company was fully supportive of all that is being done to raise awareness of mental health which was no different to physical health.

He said in an open letter to guests and staff that as an employer, the company offers support in any capacity, including mental health and two areas had been highlighted for improvement during a review.

The first was to ensure that at least one member of management in each of their units is trained as a mental health first aider to both identify mental health issues and support recovery.

Secondly, to offer five sessions of professional counselling to any of our team members who feel that they require it - with a professional counsellor and additional sessions will be offered where appropriate.

Mr Pear added: "We encourage our colleagues to speak to their management teams if they are struggling with mental health.

"We will do everything that we can to help. We wholeheartedly support Mental Health Awareness Week and encourage like-minded companies to join us in support of all employees nationwide.

"Mental health is no different to physical health – we all need help from time to time."