Denbighshire signs pledge on mental health

Denbighshire County Council has signed a pledge to end stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.

The Council signed an employer pledge with the Time to Change Wales campaign delivered by two of Wales’ leading mental health charities, Hafal and Mind Cymru.

By signing the pledge, Denbighshire County Council is showing its commitment to change the way people think and act about mental health at work.

Cllr Richard Mainon, the Council’s Lead Member for Corporate Services and Strategic Direction, said: “As a Council we are pleased to support this campaign to promote mental health and end the stigma surrounding it.

“This pledge is a commitment to change the way we all think and act about mental health at work.

“Supporting staff and tackling mental health stigma and discrimination is a priority for the Council and this pledge forms part of our Mental Health Strategy which includes a new Mental Health Policy and resources for staff, training Mental Health First Aiders, and a number of initiatives to ensure mental health becomes part of everyday language.”

More than 190 organisations have signed up to the Time to Change Wales pledge, including the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Cardiff University.

Lowri Wyn Jones, Programme Manager for Time to Change Wales, said: “We are delighted Denbighshire County Council has made a pledge to take positive steps to help tackle mental health stigma and discrimination in their organisation.

“We have worked with them to develop a comprehensive action plan to sit at the heart of their pledge so practical action is taken to tackle stigma at every level of the organisation.

“Mental health problems are the leading cause of sickness absence in the workplace, with 1 in 6 workers experiencing symptoms of depression, stress or anxiety. The cost of mental health problems in Wales is estimated at £7.2 billion a year in loss of output, healthcare bills and social benefits.”