Let’s help tackle mental health in the workplace

MENTAL health in the workplace is being promoted in Warrington on October 10 – to mark World Mental Health Day.
People will be encouraged to look after their own mental wellbeing at work, inspire colleagues to look after theirs, support colleagues who have mental health problems, challenge stigma and strive to make workplaces healthier environments.
The borough council is supporting the event- with the message that anyone finding their work has a negative impact on their mental health, or with a pre-existing mental health should talk someone they trust such as a friend, colleague, manager, or GP.
Many work places have support available to help employees manage mental health problems and systems in place to enable work related issues to be resolved.
Cllr Pat Wright, the council’s lead member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “Having a conversation about mental health at work doesn’t have to be difficult. I would encourage people to talk about mental health and wellbeing and make time to show concern for the mental wellbeing of colleagues.
“It is vital we seek support ourselves, if our work environment has a negative impact on our own mental wellbeing or the mental wellbeing of our colleagues. By doing this we will help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.”
There will also be a Health and Wellbeing event taking place to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10 at The Gateway, Warrington town centre, from 1pm to 6pm.
Organised by the Warrington Wellbeing Partnership steering group to promote the recently launched Warrington Wellbeing Service, the event will give local people the opportunity to find out more about health and wellbeing services in the town and receive expert advice on how to stay well.
Warrington’s mental health awareness site happyoksad.org.uk has information about how to look after mental wellbeing and details of a wide range of local and national mental health support services.
Anyone finding it hard to cope, are feeling desperate or are having thoughts of suicide, can talk to their GP, or call the Warrington Assessment Team on 01925 666 647. The assessment team is for people with moderate to severe symptoms of mental health problems.
Another option is to call the Samaritans on 116 123, PAPYRUS HOPELineUK for young people on 0800 068 41 41; or CALM (for men) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight). These three charities support people who are in distress, are feeling suicidal or who are worried about a friend or family member.