EMPLOYERS in York have been urged to improve the way their company thinks and acts about mental health, and ensure their workers feel supported.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2019, City of York Council has pledged to raise awareness of positive mental health and available support, by signing up to the Time To Change scheme.

Chief Executive Mary Weastell signed the pledge with Tim Madgwick, chair of York’s Mental Health Partnership, and colleagues from York CVS and Time to Change.

The pledge aims to improve how people think and act about mental health in the workplace, and make sure that employees who are facing these issues feel supported.

Mary Weastell said: “We know that one in four workers in the UK are affected by conditions such as anxiety, depression and stress every year and it is vital that they feel supported and that we tackle the stigma around mental health.

“Often people will report a more familiar illness such as a stomach ache, a sore throat, or exhaustion to mask more serious and debilitating mental health problems. With so many myths and misunderstandings and the stigma surrounding mental health, it is sometimes difficult for people to know how to respond.”

Jane Mackay, from Time to Change, said: “Creating a workplace culture where people can just be themselves without fear of judgement or discrimination makes such a big difference both to staff and organisations. I’m proud to be a Time to Change Champion and as a York resident I am delighted that City of York Council are making such a clear commitment to the campaign.”

An event will be held tomorrow, Friday, at 30 Clarence Street from 10.30am to 4pm, with information and advice and afternoon tea made by people attending community recovery projects.