- 06 Oct 2025
At M Group, supporting the wellbeing and mental health of our people is an important part of who we are.
To mark Mental Health Awareness Day this Friday, 10 October, we are proud to share Rebecca Harves’ inspiring story of overcoming significant challenges and leading and championing our ENABLE and Women’s Networks.
As part of our Water team, Rebecca works with Thames Water Developer Services and Major Projects across London and the Thames Valley. She joined M Group during the Covid pandemic, navigating both a career change and a new way of working.
Explore how she adapted to remote onboarding, built strong industry connections, and demonstrated the resilience that has shaped her path.
Can you tell us more about your experience having a career change?
I’d like to say I’m ambitious, but it was a really big change for me to go from being self-employed and working as a mobile therapist to working in an office. My life at M Group is entirely different from my previous role, although there have been some transferrable skills like communication, customer service and building relationships.
Covid took a big hit on my business, I quickly became concerned we would be locked down indefinitely, and I’d be unable to make an income. At the time it was very much a forced career change, I was in a difficult position. Although it was a tough time, and it did affect my mental health for a while, I’m so glad I joined M Group- five years later and I’m still here!
I first joined the business in 2020 as a Data Validator, after 15 years of running my own beauty therapy business. Initially, I thought I’d stay for a while and once things went back to ‘normal’ I’d go back to being a beauty therapist. But as we all know things changed and I really enjoyed being part of the team here. I was (and still am) part of a supportive team, which I hadn’t had previously.
In 2022 I moved jobs internally and became a Communications Advisor. Alongside this role I was given the chance to do a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Public Relations & Communications. This was an amazing opportunity provided by the business. After some hard work and support from those around me I passed my apprenticeship with a distinction. Since then, I’ve moved into my current role as New Networks Coordinator.
What does a typical day at work look like?
My role is generally office based, but I also make site visits to measure the impact our works will have on residents and businesses. The site visits can be anywhere across London and Thames Valley, so some days can involve a lot of travel.
I coordinate customer and stakeholder communications, so much of my day involves providing and delivering updates and ensuring performance is reported to our clients. I help facilitate collaboration to continuously improve processes and procedures. This means I spend a lot of time researching and implementing new innovations.
If you could pass on one piece of advice to yourself when you joined, what would you say?
If I could go back and talk to my 2020 self, I’d say don't put too much pressure on yourself. I’m in a much better place now. I think that enjoying your job is so important. We spend so much of our week at work, that making small changes to improve our mental health is so important. Joining network groups and advocating for your own career progression is also crucial.
If you feel you’re not where you want to be career-wise, or you are in your current role just ‘for now’, we have so many internal opportunities – you just have to be pro-active looking for them. Apprenticeships are open to any age. I was in my late thirties when I completed mine, so don’t overlook these opportunities – you’re just as eligible as a younger candidate.
How has joining some of our networks improved your wellbeing and approach to work?
Joining a network helps you connect with people. It’s not all about work and business, it’s also a chance to be more social and just get talking to people you might not otherwise come across.
A real turning point for my career was joining the Women's Network. It’s allowed me to steer my career towards what I enjoy, and in the early days, it allowed me to identify my strengths. When I first joined the business, my work was a job, now it’s a path for progression and bettering myself. I'm also Deputy Chair for the Water Enable Network alongside Kate Hofstetter and lead for the Neurodiversity and Disability forum.
One of my proudest achievements has been winning Rising Star at last year’s Beyond Expectations Awards. That year, I also spoke as part of a panel at the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR) Awards to an audience of 300, this was quite daunting, but I was so proud of myself after!
Being open about wanting career progression and ambition can really make a difference. If you had told me five years ago, I would have achieved so much since the pandemic turned my life upside down, I would have laughed.
How do you prioritise your wellbeing outside of work?
Spending time with my family and friends are most important to me. I have two teenage daughters that keep me busy!
I really enjoy going for walks and being active at the weekends. I find it really gives me a chance to clear my head, it’s almost like a reset button. Even with the winter months coming I try to do some indoor exercise like Pilates. Finding ways at the weekend to rest, reset and recover always help me feel refreshed and ready for Monday.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us and for the incredible work you’ve done championing the Women’s Network and Water ENABLE Network across the group. Your dedication, passion, and resilience have made a real difference, and we’re excited to welcome you into the M Group Hall of Fame!
At M Group, we’re proud to support our people's wellbeing as we know it’s essential to our success, and we’re dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for all.
We offer a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential support, ensuring our colleagues can access the help they need at any time. Plus, with our online GP service, GP24, they can receive medical advice and reassurance from anywhere in the world.
The health, safety and well-being of our people and the public are important to us.
Are you looking for a workplace that prioritises your wellbeing? Join us! Explore our job opportunities by clicking the button below.