[T]oday marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week (14th – 20th May) and Time to Change Cumbria is encouraging businesses and communities to open up about mental health and talk about stress.
We all know what it’s like to feel stressed – it’s part of everyday life. But when you’re overwhelmed by stress it may lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse.
By talking about their own lived experience of mental health, asking a friend how they are feeling or encouraging employers to sign up to the Time to Change Employers Pledge, there are a variety of ways that individuals and businesses across the county can get involved and help change the way we all think and act about mental health.
Caroline Robinson, Time to Change Cumbria Coordinator said ‘We offer free support to help organisations build an action plan based on 7 research-based key principles that improve wellbeing in the workplace. Activities can be planned to raise awareness of mental health, equip line managers, share stories of lived experience and create a culture within an organisation where it’s ok to talk about mental health without fear of stigma or discrimination.’
Signing the Employer Pledge allows businesses across the country to demonstrate their commitment to challenging mental health stigma in the workplace. It also ensures that employees who are facing problems with their mental health feel supported in finding the best solution and moving forward.
But we don’t expect employers to have to do this alone!
Mental Health Awareness training is delivered by local branches of Mind throughout Cumbria; from a 30 minute lunch and learn or a half-day session, up to the two-day nationally accredited Mental Health First Aid course.
For more information on getting involved with the Time to Change Employers Pledge please visit www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/get-your-workplace-involved
And for more information on mental health awareness training, contact your local branch of Mind: www.MindInCumbria.org.uk