Mental Health and Work

Ewan Hilton, Executive DirectorGofal

Who we are

Our VisionGood mental health and wellbeing for allOur MissionTo have a lasting and positive impact in all that we doTo inspire others to think differently about mental health and business

What we do

• We deliver a range of crisis, housing & employment services

• We lobby to improve policy and practice• We campaign to improve public attitude and

behaviour• We operate a social business – PS Services

Why is this relevant to us?

• We all have mental health• 1 in 4 people will experience mental health

problems in any given year.• That’s 1 in 4 people in this room and 1 in 4

people in your organisations• It is all of our business

Why is this important?

Our mental health can have an impact on:•Our friends and family•Our homes•Our finances•Our work

• Our education• Our physical health and

wellbeing• Our social lives

Our Businesses

• 1 in 6 of our workforce is affected by a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety at any one time

• The costs associated with poor mental health in the workplace amount to nearly to £1.2 billion a year, equivalent to – £860 for every employee in the Welsh workforce– More than 2% of total Welsh national income

Mentally Health Workplaces

Result in•Increased productivity•Committed cared for workforce – extra mile•Reduced sickness absence•Reduced turnover•Reduced presenteeism Ultimately it’s good for business

Together for Mental Health

• New WG strategy for Improved mental health and wellbeing

• It’s everybody's business• Identifies the role and responsibility employers play• Measuring the economic benefit• Measuring staff wellbeing, values, attidudes• Cross Cabinet – every Minister

Time to Change Wales

• Campaign to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems in Wales.

• Led by Welsh mental health charities Gofal, Mind Cymru and Hafal

• Funded by Big Lottery, Comic Relief and Welsh Government

• Social marketing, • Educators • Social leadership

What can you do?

• Promote the importance of good mental health and wellbeing

• Develop and implement mental health and wellbeing policies – Mindful employer

• Create a safe and supportive environment for employees to talk about their mental health

• Measure staff wellbeing• Take Time to Change Wales into your organisations• Training, EAP’s Support staff and mangers