DORSET bosses focused on their mental health at an “inspirational” event.

The event was part of Dorset Chamber’s Got Your Six (GU6) campaign to help hard-pressed leaders build resilience.

The chamber is the first in the country to develop an initiative focused on the mental health of business leaders.

Its first in-person event, titled Meet the GU6 Champions, was a breakfast held at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

Business leaders shared stories and advice and heard speakers.

Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Our first GU6 face to face event was incredibly inspirational.

“Everyone took part in a spirit of openness and honesty which created a warm and supportive atmosphere with plenty of practical advice and strategies for building resilience.

“Sometimes the mental health of business owners and senior managers is overlooked, even though they carry the weight of their companies on their shoulders. This event was a great way of providing positive support and letting them know that a listening ear is available.”

The event included an introduction to the GU6 champions, local business men and women who are on hand to provide confidential peer support for bosses and promote positive ways of dealing with pressure.

There were also speakers from mental health charity Dorset Mind and business leaders sharing their own experiences.

Dorset Mind receives large grant from Lloyds Bank Foundation

GU6 aims to give business leaders a peer network upon which can they can rely and provide support for others.

It 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 leaders.

The term “got your six” derives from fighter pilots who protected the “backs” of fellow pilots at the vulnerable rear position, based on the numbers on a clock face.

The GU6 initiative is sponsored by Lester Aldridge and supported by Ouch Training and Dorset Mind.

Details are at dorsetchamber.co.uk/gu6-dorset/