|
14 September 2005 - Wales Healthy Minds at
Work Pilot Scheme
Navigation
Wales is to head a Healthy Minds at Work pilot scheme
early in 2006, to help workers who suffer stress, anxiety and depression keep
their jobs. The scheme also aims to educate employers on the effects
of mental health illness and how they could help and tackle discrimination in
the workplace by early intervention.
The £5million scheme, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government
and European Grants, is a partnership of mental health charities, employment
organisations and Remploy Interwork.
The objectives of the scheme are:
A call centre will be set up offering advice and training.
Research into the success of existing services will be undertaken.
Tim Watkins, of Depression Alliance, said:
"One in four is going to need time off work. The more we see
that as inevitable the more we can put systems in place to stop people going off
sick long term.
Not everyone will get depressed, but all of us will
experience a problem to the extent that it impacts on our life. We need to be
preventing that up front or teaching people how to cope with it when it
happens."
Mr. Watkins also said the scheme expected the use of a call
centre in Treforest, near Pontypridd, from early 2006, and a publicity campaign
would promote a confidential helpline.
Mr. Mike Clark, Spokesman for Remploy Interwork said:
"Many people who go on incapacity benefit due to stress,
anxiety or depression could be helped to stay in their jobs.
"When people leave work and go onto incapacity benefit due to mental health
conditions it often means that they never return to the workplace.
"Assisting people to remain economically active can greatly benefit them,
their families and their local communities."
Mr. Andrew Davies, Assembly Economic Development Minister said:
"Stress, anxiety and depression are a growing problem in the
modern workplace.
"It is vital we tackle these problems if organisations and
their staff are to fully realise their potential."
Further information on the pilot scheme can be found by clicking
the following:
Healthy Minds at Work
Article by Alexandra Johnston
 Click Here to
Email This Article To a Friend
|
