Mental health charity moves into bigger city home (From York Press)

Mental health charity moves into bigger city home

3:00pm Monday 13th October 2008 in Search By Nicola Fifield, Senior reporter

YORK MP Hugh Bayley dropped into the new premises of a York mental health charity to cut the ribbon and launch ten fresh initiatives.

The official opening of York And District Mind’s new, bigger home in Castlegate, York, took place on Friday as part of the charity’s World Mental Health Day celebrations.

John Bennett, from Jobcentre Plus, was also at the ceremony to present Mind with a certificate recognising its commitment to helping disabled employees.

The charity also received the Government’s prestigious “Two Ticks” symbol, which is given to businesses or organisations that support recruitment, employment, retention and the career development of disabled people.

Mike Beckett, director of York and District Mind, said: “People with close personal experience of mental distress drive everything we do as a local charity, so it’s only natural that we encourage disabled job seekers to enable them to compete on an equal basis with other applicants and employees.

“I’m really pleased we have met the criteria to use the disability symbol.

“We take a positive lead on disability and other diversity issues, and we are proud to show diversity is about recognising what people can do rather than what they cannot.”

Mr Bennett said: “I’m delighted to present this certificate to York And District Mind. They have a clear commitment towards disabled employees.

“All employers need to fill their vacancies with the right person for the job and it makes sense to consider the potential of all applicants, whether disabled or not.”

Mind’s new premises in Castlegate will provide additional space for group work, new projects and an information resource centre.

To celebrate the grand opening, the charity has launched ten new initiatives, including a befriending service and an information leaflet called Food And Mood giving tips on how your diet can help you think and feel.

A new support group called Reconnect And Recover has also been set up to help women with complex health needs find support in the community.

Another initiative includes the appointment of local GP Dr David Geddes as the charity’s new specialist advisor.

Mr Bayley said: “Mental illness can leave people very isolated, which is why support groups like Mind are so important. “In York, Mind have a lot to celebrate, with their new premises and new services, their new befriending service and their information leaflet on diet. “I support these new initiatives and I know that local people with mental health problems will benefit from them. “I also congratulate Mind on their award for supporting disabled employees and wish them every success in their future activities.”