A few months ago I received the worst type of email a manager could ever receive: one of our team had taken their own life.

The following has been written with the full support from family.

Octavia was a gorgeous and passionate colleague who joined Fourth Floor as an intern last year. Our intern programme is very special to us, bringing new and diverse voices into the company and supporting them to become budding executives in whatever area of campaigns, production, events, commerce they want to concentrate their career on. We offer two, three-month seats experiencing different parts of our business before a decision is made. Octavia was with our commerce team supporting the team that enables content creators to make a living by producing their communities with high quality merchandise. She quickly excelled in every part of her role, delighting our customers. She had great promise.

Octavia had a mental health illness, which we understood she was managing. But in January things started to change. Her illness was starting to overcome her and she took some time off. We supported her throughout, giving her the time she needed and keeping in contact where possible.

**Octavia surrounded by her friends at Fourth Floor. She will be greatly missed.**

I was thrilled to learn at the end of the summer that a return to work was imminent. A plan was devised and Octavia was back building up her days to return to work full time. We recognised that the Octavia we had back was not the same, but when she smiled, we knew that with support and time we could help her get back to her old self.

Our mental well-being is complex. We have all been challenged at some point, experiencing situations where our minds and thoughts have become confused. And we are only too aware that for some people those challenges are much more difficult, their ability to cope less certain. Often quiet and unassuming, mental illness can be a hugely debilitating and complex beast which has unknown bounds.

As employers, the well-being of our team is of vital importance. We are mentors, coaches and confidantes as well as bosses. Our culture is based on supporting and empowering everyone that works at Fourth Floor and giving them a purpose that aligns with their values and long-term goals.

As I reflect during those quiet times of the day, and at moments which have caught me by surprise, I wonder how I could have done things differently and how I could have contributed more positively.

I’ve been told stability and routine is key and that is what we looked to provide. I also know she had an awesome family and friend support network. And in the end, Octavia’s illness was bigger than even that.

This month we will be saying a public thank you and goodbye to Octavia by doing our bit and taking responsibility to raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing. If you would like to support us, please donate to Mind, who are a tremendous charity supporting all sorts of ways to help mental health. For more information on what they do click here. In order to donate you can do it directly on their website from this link.

Thank you,
Catherine

Octavia, you will always be with us x