Brighton and Hove City Council to support Time to Change, England’s biggest campaign to end stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.
At Full Council on Thursday, January 28, Cllr Caroline Penn signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge to show their staff and the public that they will take action to tackle stigma and discrimination around mental health. The Council’s action plan had been approved by Time to Change.
Cllr Caroline Penn, lead member for mental health, said: “Despite 1 in 4 of us experiencing a mental problem in any one year, it’s shocking that 9 out of 10 people have experienced some form of stigma or discrimination. This stigma can be isolating and discourage people from seeking help.
“Stigma is not only bad for residents, but for the city’s employers too, due to increased staff sickness, lower productivity and increased staff turn-over.
“As a major employer in the city, it’s important that we take steps to improve the wellbeing of our staff. I hope that residents and other employers follow the council’s lead and sign the pledge to challenge mental health stigma”.
The Time to Change action plan includes awareness raising activities, a review of the council’s stress and wellbeing policies, information and advice, and counselling and training opportunities for all council staff.
On Time to Talk Day, Thursday, February 4, Albion in the Community’s wellbeing coaches are giving staff free and confidential advice on wellbeing.
The city’s strategy for mental health and wellbeing sets out the commitments of the Council and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group to improve the mental wellbeing for everyone in the city.
For information on Mental health advice and support available on the council’s website, click here: