Northamptonshire charity signs up to national effort to tackle mental health stigma in the workplace

An award winning Northamptonshire charity that supports adults with mental health needs, autism, learning and physical disabilities has signed up to a national pledge to tackle mental health stigmas in the workplace.

Teamwork Trust, a charity with centres in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough, signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge in front of staff during an online celebration.

The national movement aims to change the way people think and act about mental health at work.

John Bruce, strategic director at Teamwork Trust, said: "We support people with their mental health through our programmes, wellbeing activities and community counselling service - as a charity, this is what we do.

"However, we must not forget that we are a responsible employer too, so it's only right that we now show our staff we are equally committed to them."

Teamwork Trust co-runs the community element of the Time to Change project in Northamptonshire with Kettering Mind by recruiting community 'champions' to advocate for mental health awareness throughout the county.

Kizzy Minter, Teamwork Trust's engagement officer, said: "We're already planning more training opportunities for staff.

"We've revised our sickness and absence policy so that mental health is recognised and we are recruiting workplace champions.

"These are just some of the immediate changes which will help break down the stigma surrounding mental health. I can't wait to do more."

Teamwork Trust is an award winning charity that was recognised with the Disability Impact Award at the Charity Today Awards 2019 and Employer of the Year at Northamptonshire Chamber's Business Awards 2018.

The Time to Talk Employer Pledge has been signed by more than 1,500 organisations, representing 10 per cent of the UK's working population.

John Bruce said: "Signing this pledge and devising an action plan of activities and projects will help us grow and improve the open and understanding mental health culture we try so hard to embed at Teamwork Trust."

More information can be found on the charity's website here.

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