Working for our mental health (From Romsey Advertiser)

Working for our mental health

10:24am Friday 10th February 2012 in News

Romsey Abbey will hold its fourth annual service focusing on mental health issues on Sunday, February 12.

This year the service will look at how employers and employees can make improvements in the workplace. Employers will be explaining why they feel it is crucial to be supportive of staff suffering mental health problems.

Vicar of Romsey, Rev Tim Sledge explains: ‘With one in four of the population likely to have some form of mental illness this is a subject which should be high on the agenda of every employer in the country. For so long there has been stigma and discrimination towards people who are unwell but thankfully, through the work of many organisations and through greater understanding that this is a physical illness like any other, those barriers are being slowly broken down’.

Triangulate, the Romsey-based charity which raises awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, was formed following the death four years ago this month of Peter Brook, a member of Abbey Choir, for many years.

Bridget Brook, Peter’s wife and a Trustee of Triangulate explains: “When Peter became ill from workplace issues, we had no idea where to go for information or support on what to do to. We wanted to ensure that in the future, employers and individuals would be able to find information to help them. Our annual service at the Abbey is an opportunity for everyone to get more information and to hear from employers who are taking steps to provide mentally healthy workplaces.”

Everyone is welcome at the service at 10am and for coffee afterwards.