Council staff support mental health awareness day

Staff from Heywood & Middleton Community Mental Health Team supported Mental Health Awareness Day

Staff from Rochdale Council supported World Mental Health Awareness Day with a day of action around the theme ‘mental health in the workplace’.

Council staff designed placards to show how they provide help and support to each other during the working week.

One in four people will experience mental problems in any given year, underling the need for effective mental health polices and support networks in places of employment.

World Mental Health day is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. It was first celebrated in 1992.

Rebecca Moss, head of mental services at the council, said: “It is easy to dismiss mental health problems as something that only affects others, but with one in four people experiencing mental health problems every year, it can happen to any of us – a friend, family member or colleague. We are proud of our work around mental health issues in ensuring a high class level of service is available across the council and throughout the borough.”

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, cabinet member for adult services, said: “I would like to congratulate adult care staff for getting involved in this important awareness day. Most people spend more time at work than anywhere else, so it is vital that support networks are in place for people to chat and share problems. The council is proud to be leading the way in providing good quality mental health services that ensure people will always be listened to, valued and respected.”