BUSINESS leaders will get more support thanks to a Dorset service which has become the first in the country to focus specifically on 'the boss'.

Dorset Chamber of Commerce has developed the Got Your Six (GU6) resilience campaign to help bosses who are struggling with their mental health.

The chamber, which is the first in the UK to develop something of this nature, will hold a free event at AFC Bournemouth on November 12 for all businesses in Dorset where speakers from charity Mind UK, as well as business leaders and some GU6 champions, will provide advice and support to attendees.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: "Stress at work continues to be one of the main causes of absence from the workplace, but one area that has been overlooked is the mental health of business owners and senior managers who carry the weight of their companies, as well as teams, on their shoulders.

"There is no panic button for the boss and no one usually asks how they are doing.

"As part of the chamber's health and wellbeing programme, we recognise the unique pressure our business leaders are under and have been working to build a peer support network to help them.

"Our GU6 initiative aims to normalise the conversation around the mental pressures of running a business. encourage compassionate dialogue and develop strategies that lead to great resilience in our leaders.

"We believe if those at the top of the organisation are in good shape it gives the overall business and their workforces the best opportunity to thrive.

"As we emerge from the pandemic, this is the right time to hold our first in-person health and wellbeing event to talk about GU6 and mental health generally."

Mr Girling added: "I would encourage any business people to attend so we can together address this very important issue and have open conversations about the need for openness and peer support."

For more information and to sign up to the event, visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/event/gu6-meet-the-champions-breakfast-event/