Tackling mental health stigma at work

Workplaces across the Western Isles are being encouraged to arrange a mental health information session.

People who have experienced mental health problems are going into workplaces across Scotland to help tackle discrimination.

The lunch-and-learn project has trained volunteers visiting organisations, speaking to employers and employees about their own experiences, to help change cultures at work.

The project is run by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

A recent survey found 48% of workers would be unlikely to disclose a mental illness over concerns for their job and 55% would keep quiet for fear of being passed over for promotion.

Sarah Nicholson, corporate partnerships manager, from SAMH, said: “We know that mental health stigma is an issue in the workplace.

"People with mental health problems can be subjected to systematic disadvantages in work, amongst other places.

“Through lunch-and-learn we want to help workforces gain a better understanding of mental health, discrimination, and what they can do to make a positive change.

“We would encourage workplaces across the Western Isles, to get in touch with us to arrange a session.”

Tackling mental health stigma at work

2 June 2016