Menu
10/10/2006
New drive to tackle mental health in work
The government has launched a new initiative which aims to encourage employers to improve the way they deal with mental health in the workplace.
The three-year initiative, called 'Action on Stigma', calls on employers to sign up to a set of anti-stigma principles, such as demonstrating that they have made changes in their work environment and employment practices to ensure that people with mental health problems are treated fairly and equally with others.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton launched the initiative to mark World Mental Health Day with the publication of a document detailing the principles and highlighting existing best practice.
Although some of the principles are voluntary, the government said that the adoption of them would help public sector organisations, including local councils, government departments and hospitals, meet the requirements of a new duty under the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force in December 2006.
The government said that many employers who have taken part in projects to make their workplace culture more 'mental health friendly' have reported reduced staff turnover and sickness absences.
However, only around 20% of people with severe mental health problems are employed, compared to 65% of people with physical health problems and 75% of the whole adult population.
Only around half of those suffering from more common types of mental illness, such as depression, are competitively employed.
Speaking at a visit to a programme run by Oxleas Mental Health Trust in south east London, Ms Winterton said: "There is no better time than World Mental Health Day to remind people that one in four of us will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in our lives and the cost to business and society is substantial. Ignorance and stigma still surrounds the issue of mental ill-health and when someone does develop a problem, they often do not get the support they need from society to help them recover.
"Employers can help by raising awareness of mental health issues amongst staff, supporting those affected and customers. This is good for staff and good for employers, who we know will benefit from reduced staff turnover and sickness absences."
(KMcA)
The three-year initiative, called 'Action on Stigma', calls on employers to sign up to a set of anti-stigma principles, such as demonstrating that they have made changes in their work environment and employment practices to ensure that people with mental health problems are treated fairly and equally with others.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton launched the initiative to mark World Mental Health Day with the publication of a document detailing the principles and highlighting existing best practice.
Although some of the principles are voluntary, the government said that the adoption of them would help public sector organisations, including local councils, government departments and hospitals, meet the requirements of a new duty under the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force in December 2006.
The government said that many employers who have taken part in projects to make their workplace culture more 'mental health friendly' have reported reduced staff turnover and sickness absences.
However, only around 20% of people with severe mental health problems are employed, compared to 65% of people with physical health problems and 75% of the whole adult population.
Only around half of those suffering from more common types of mental illness, such as depression, are competitively employed.
Speaking at a visit to a programme run by Oxleas Mental Health Trust in south east London, Ms Winterton said: "There is no better time than World Mental Health Day to remind people that one in four of us will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in our lives and the cost to business and society is substantial. Ignorance and stigma still surrounds the issue of mental ill-health and when someone does develop a problem, they often do not get the support they need from society to help them recover.
"Employers can help by raising awareness of mental health issues amongst staff, supporting those affected and customers. This is good for staff and good for employers, who we know will benefit from reduced staff turnover and sickness absences."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 July 2015
Funding Secured For Police And University Collaboration On Mental Health
Funding of £1m has been secured for a collaboration between North Yorkshire Police and the University of York in an effort to develop new approaches for dealing with mental health issues.
Funding Secured For Police And University Collaboration On Mental Health
Funding of £1m has been secured for a collaboration between North Yorkshire Police and the University of York in an effort to develop new approaches for dealing with mental health issues.
10 September 2008
Twice As Many Mentally Ill People End Up In Police Custody
Twice as many people are detained in unsuitable police custody for assessment under the Mental Health Act as those taken by the police to hospital for this purpose, according to research published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.
Twice As Many Mentally Ill People End Up In Police Custody
Twice as many people are detained in unsuitable police custody for assessment under the Mental Health Act as those taken by the police to hospital for this purpose, according to research published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.
04 June 2007
Report reveals scale of mental ill health at work
A report has revealed that mental ill health is the second largest cause of time lost due to sickness absence in UK organizations. According to the report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, stress, depression, and anxiety account for over 50% of these mental health problems.
Report reveals scale of mental ill health at work
A report has revealed that mental ill health is the second largest cause of time lost due to sickness absence in UK organizations. According to the report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, stress, depression, and anxiety account for over 50% of these mental health problems.
08 February 2005
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
23 September 2003
Guidance for women's mental health strategy launched
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, today launched guidance for a Women's Mental Health Strategy during a visit to Mental Health services in Sheffield. Social isolation and poverty are much more common in women, as is the experience of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence, the minister said.
Guidance for women's mental health strategy launched
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, today launched guidance for a Women's Mental Health Strategy during a visit to Mental Health services in Sheffield. Social isolation and poverty are much more common in women, as is the experience of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence, the minister said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
