Dispelling Mental Health Myths in the Workplace

Our blog today comes from Jodie Wallis from Mind in Brighton and Hove and is about their new project: Dispelling Mental Health Myths in the Workplace Project funded by Time to Change!

“Our new and exciting project at Mind in Brighton and Hove has been funded by Time to Change. Time to Change is England’s biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination. This mouthful of a project will be contributing to this aim, but specifically in the workplace.

Did you know that 21% of people with a long term mental health condition are employed compared with 47% of people with a physical disability? And 9 out of 10 people who suffer from mental health issues experience stigma and discrimination. Shocked? Or not surprised? Either way there are reasons why this is the case, and it’s definitely ‘Time to Change’.

Research has shown that simply talking to someone with a mental health problem is the most effective way of breaking down the fear and stigma people hold, and ultimately in changing attitudes and behavior.  This effect will not only create a more open and supportive environment in your workplace, but it will also increase productivity and reduce costs.

Over the next year, volunteers with lived experience will be going into participating workplaces in Brighton and Hove to do one thing: talk. Hopefully, over a cuppa and cake! We aim to have over 400 conversations (and hopefully a lot more!) with employers and employees of local businesses."

Intriguing? Worthwhile? Exciting? Yes, we think so too!! If you would like to comment or find out more how you can get involved simply blog here or e-mail me at Jodie.wallis@mindcharity.co.uk.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk