Bolton Council have received funding as part of the government’s Mental Health Recovery Action Plan to tackle the mental health impacts on businesses.
The council have launched a survey which is the first step in designing a free programme of interventions for small and medium sized businesses and the self-employed, with the aim of improving mental wellbeing in the workplace.
Bolton Council’s aim is to raise levels of positive wellbeing as part of the government’s levelling up agenda which seeks to restore the economy, level up the country and build back better.
Poor mental health is the largest single health issue in the UK, accounting for almost half of days off sick. Every year, one in six adults experiences a common mental health problem.
Bolton Council are working in collaboration with Ripple&Co who are experts in corporate wellbeing. Using UK government funding as part of the Mental Health Recovery Action Plan, Ripple’s team are co-designing a fully funded programme of resources and training for small and medium sized businesses to proactively address employee mental ill health and improve wellbeing in their businesses. The resources will be available shortly for employers to access.
The survey has also been created to coincide with ‘Time to Talk Day’ the nation’s biggest mental health conversation on Thursday 3 February 2022, organised by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
Studies have shown the coronavirus pandemic has had a negative impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing, which has resulted in an increased demand for mental health support.
In Bolton an estimated 42,000 (around 15%) of residents aged 16 and over have a common mental health disorder.
Not everyone shows signs of mental health issues and it’s much harder to see when members of staff are working from home, so it is important to create an environment where staff are able to be open and honest and talk about how they are feeling.
During these challenging times, research suggests a rise in anxiety and stress, and a risk that the numbers of people with anxiety, depression and those engaging in harmful behaviours (such as suicide and self-harm) may well increase.
The latest figures reported by the ONS states that mental health is one of the top four reasons for sickness and 95% said they thought about their mental health although crucially over a fifth didn’t talk about it.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Baines, said:
“Living though the pandemic these past 18 months has been challenging and it has had a significant impact on some people’s mental health. It is now more important than ever to look after yourself and others.
“I urge anyone who is struggling with their mental health to talk to someone. I understand that it is not always easy to speak with a close family member or friend, but please contact any of the services on offer. They are confidential and will be able to offer advice, support and coping mechanisms to help improve mental wellbeing.
Jeremy O’Dwyer, A Lived Experience Speaker and Trainer said:
“I suffered from poor mental health for many years despite successful careers in both private and public sectors. My health was impacted by feeling unable to talk openly out of shame and the stigma associated with men’s mental health. I now admit this “shame”, contributed to a downward spiral that culminated in a suicide attempt. I wish I knew then what I know now. Talk, you are not alone, that is why it’s so important that the Bolton Mental Health Recovery Action Plan is working to dispel some of those stigmas.”
The survey for businesses to complete can be accessed via this link - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BC_PreSurvey
The survey also includes a link to a free employee wellbeing survey that you can use to measure wellbeing in any organisation. As well as information about how to access free mental health training.