PRESS RELEASE
Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan offer commuter support
Mind Week 14-21 May 2011
Staff and volunteers from Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan are marking this year’s Mind week by appearing en masse at Broad Street Train Station on Monday 16th May to raise awareness among stressed commuters about mental health at work. The activities are part of Mind’s ‘Taking Care of Business’ campaign, which aims to help employers take small actions to improve wellbeing among their workforce. The campaign also provides advice to employees about improving their working day and bringing up the topic of stress and mental health when they’re suffering the strain. Right now, 1 in 6 workers is experiencing depression, anxiety or stress (*). Unfortunately, stigma and discrimination around mental health in the workplace means people are reluctant speaking out about their experiences. This means employers are left unaware of how common it is and how it affects business, both in terms of impact on staff morale and on balance sheets.
Caroline Chapman of Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan said: “Everyone has their stressful days at work, but if you job is causing your distress over a sustained period of time this can have a very damaging effect on your mental health. We’re going to be at Broad Street Train Station, Barry on Monday 16th May giving out tips and advice to commuters on how they can look after their mental wellbeing at work and also what they can do to support their colleagues too. Alternatively anyone who misses us on the day is also welcome to pop in and see us, and we’ll have leaflets and postcards for people to take away and share with their colleagues.” Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan offers practical advice for anyone in the area who’s affected by mental health problems. Residents of Vale of Glamorgan can find out more about the charity’s work and the ‘Taking Care of Business’ campaign by dropping into our project on Broad Street train station between 7am – 1.30pm Mon – Fri or phone on 01446 730792 Mon – Fri 9am – 4.30pm. More information for employers and employees on Mind’s taking care of business’ campaigin and tips and advice on managing mental health at work can be found at mind.org.uk/work *Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2009 Should you require any further information, please contact Caroline Chapman on 01446 730792 or admin@mindinthevale.org.uk 