Rushcliffe Borough Council has signed the Time to Change employer pledge, led by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness to support any staff who may suffer mental health problems.
The commitment has already seen the authority invest in Mental Health First Aid training for members of staff, establish an internal mental health steering group and develop Personal Wellbeing Plans to support staff in managing their wellbeing at work.
The authority is encouraging employers across Rushcliffe to consider signing the pledge, to ensure the Borough remains a great place to live and work that celebrates individuals in the workplace. More information can be found at www.time-to-change.org.uk
In signing the pledge, the Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason and Chief Executive Kath Marriott committed to help break the silence surrounding mental health in the workplace.
Cllr Mason said: “It is vitally important that everyone knows where they can seek support, advice and guidance about their mental health, especially in the workplace.
“Today is Time to Talk Day, highlighting the importance of our commitment to change and reminding us that staying silent on these issues only increases the number of challenges facing those who are attempting to access help.
The Council joins over 1,300 organisations including many NHS trusts, universities, and fellow local authorities in signing the Time to Change pledge.
As part of its commitment, the authority will continue to review the approach taken to mental health in the workplace, with further work planned to facilitate regular wellbeing walks, annual health fayres and additional training for staff.
These efforts follow the council’s partnership with Public Health England last year in a commitment to better mental health across Rushcliffe communities.
Estimations place the cost of poor mental health to UK employers between £33 billion and £42 billion, according to the Thriving at Work Report published in 2017.
Set up to create a positive shift in public attitudes towards mental health problems, Time to Change supports communities, schools and workplaces to open up to mental health problems, to talk and to listen.
For more information about Time to Talk Day or the Time to Change pledge, please visit www.time-to-change.org.uk