The move comes as KCC shows its support for World Mental Health Day on 10 October, whose official theme this year is ‘prioritising mental health in the workplace’.
Work can have a huge impact on our mental health. It can give us a sense of purpose, confidence and chance to connect with others. But it can also be a source of anxiety and fuel mental health problems.
Health and Safety Executive statistics reveal 1.8 million employees reported they were suffering from work-related ill health in 2022/23, with approximately half of the cases down to stress, depression or worry.
To mark 2024's dedicated global mental health day, KCC will also be:
- holding a free training session on mental health for staff, run by Mid Kent Mind. Funded by the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme, Mid Kent Mind’s free training is available to anyone looking to gain the confidence to talk about challenging emotions and experiences and get to a better place. Learn more about Mid Kent Mind training
- hosting several market stalls in the entrance hall of Invicta House, in Maidstone, to promote mental health and wellbeing services
- inviting staff to take a lunchtime wellbeing walk along the River Medway with a member of the Mind team, to underline the importance of getting out and about and connecting with others
“...the stigma around mental health is gradually reducing; more people do feel able to talk...”
Colin Jones, Co-Chair of Kent County Council’s Mental Health Support Network Staff Group, said: “We use World Mental Health Day as a springboard for a continued focus on mental wellbeing throughout the year – offering staff the chance to talk, get support and discover what else is available to help them with mental health and wellbeing matters.
“Thanks to initiatives like this dedicated awareness day, the stigma around mental health is gradually reducing; more people do feel able to talk about mental health and our membership is growing.”
There are lots of ways Kent businesses and employees can take part in World Mental Health Day too and a wide range of information is available to help create mentally well workplaces. Visit the Mental Health Foundation and Mind websites to find out more.
“Offering training so employees feel confident talking about their mental health, or know what to do if a colleague opens up to them, is key to creating a mentally well culture where everyone can thrive”
KCC Public Health Consultant for Mental Health, Jess Mookherjee, said: “With one in four people experiencing mental health challenges at some point in their lives, it is important where we work promotes good mental health.
“Offering training so employees feel confident talking about their mental health, or know what to do if a colleague opens up to them, is key to creating a mentally well culture where everyone can thrive.
“We know happier staff are more committed and productive so as well as boosting health and wellbeing, prioritising mental health at work makes good business sense.”
“Having a fulfilling job can be good for your mental health and wellbeing, but at times work can also be a cause of stress for some”
KCC Cabinet Member for Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “Having a fulfilling job can be good for your mental health and wellbeing, but at times work can also be a cause of stress for some.
“I would like to thank KCC’s Mental Health Support Group and others for their ongoing efforts to help increase awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health in the workplace.”
Need help now?
- Live in Kent or Medway and finding life is tough? Talking can help. Release the Pressure also has a highly trained and experienced team available 24/7 to provide expert support no matter what you are going through. Don’t suffer in silence. Text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160
- For details of all services available to support you, including Safe Havens, visit the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub
- People of all ages, including children, experiencing a mental health crisis or concerned family and loved ones, can also now call NHS 111, select the ‘mental health option’ and speak to a trained mental health professional. NHS staff can guide callers with next steps such organising face-to-face community support or getting access to other services
- In an emergency, when someone’s life is at risk, always call 999
