BARR Invests in Mental Health Awareness, One Mile at a Time

At BARR Advisory, we believe people belong at the center of cybersecurity. And this belief goes beyond providing high-quality cybersecurity and compliance services.

By taking a human-first approach in everything we do at BARR, we prioritize our own company culture, inclusivity, and mental health in order to work toward our shared goal of creating a more secure world. Throughout the month of May, BARR associates joined together to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with a company-wide challenge.

“Our goal for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge was to support each other in our personal journeys to overall health. Our BARR Resource Groups shared wellness information, resources, and stories throughout the month and highlighted topics around Mental Health America’s 2024 theme of ‘Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World,’” says Krystal Wilson, executive administrative assistant at BARR Advisory.

While Mental Health Awareness Month is behind us, here are some ways in which BARR recognizes the importance of mental health every May and throughout the year.

Mile a Day Challenge

This year, BARR took our commitment to mental health awareness a step further. Together, the BARR Belong Foundation and BARR’s Resource Groups joined the national movement to raise awareness about mental health, and during May, we challenged all BARR associates to move “One Mile a Day to Keep the Stress Away.”

In an effort to support each other’s personal journeys to overall health, BARR challenged our employees to log one mile of movement every day in May—through walking, running, biking, roller skating—whatever activity makes associates want to get out and move. This year, 12 BARR team members logged 509.13 miles collectively.

Mental Health Resource Group

BARR also offers ongoing mental health resources such as the associate-led Mental Health Resource Group (MHRG). The mission of the MHRG is to serve as an open-ended space that provides resources and information on mental health. The MHRG is an inclusive, safe space for associates to share their experiences and current needs related to their struggle with, perseverance through, and triumph over mental health-related obstacles of any size.

“Our aim with the MHRG is to make mental health a priority by providing resources and information relevant to all,” says Sarah Varnell, senior consultant on BARR’s attest services team and leader of BARR’s MHRG. “Creating a sense of belonging helps strengthen our work culture here at BARR. Participating in activities such as the ‘Mile a Day Challenge’ helps build morale and togetherness within the company. It also highlights BARR’s commitment to making sure employees’ mental and physical wellbeing is taken care of.”

The MHRG leads initiatives like a monthly virtual open house and continuing professional education sessions on managing mental health as well as provides resources for BARR associates—like how to take advantage of healthcare benefits and finding the right care outside of work.

Interested in learning more about BARR’s culture and cybersecurity services? Contact us today.