TUC conference Torfaen Strategic Partnership Pledge Signing Event

Our mission “To inspire individuals across Wales to work together to end discrimination and stigma surrounding mental health, mobilising those with lived experience to create and lead a lasting social movement for change”

Targets Together for Mental Health 5% positive shift in public attitudes 5% reduction in discrimination felt by those with lived experience

Stigma at work

What the economic impact? In a 2013 Report from the Office of National Statistics how many UK sickness days were caused by stress, anxiety or depression in the UK? 7.5 million days? 5.2 million days? 15.2 million days? 12.8 million days? Answer: 15.2 million days!

Workplace stigma – UK stats 4 in 10 employees are afraid to disclose mental health problems to their employer (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2011) Fewer than 4 in 10 employers would consider hiring a person with a mental health problem (Mental Health and Social Exclusion Unit, 2004) People with mental health problems are at more than twice the risk of losing their jobs compared with the general population (Mental Health and Social Exclusion Unit, 2004)

The picture in Wales In a survey of public attitudes in Wales… 1 in 7 thought people with mental health problems can never fully recover 1 in 7 believed as soon as a person shows signs of mental illness they should be hospitalised 1 in 4 thought people with mental health problems should not be allowed to hold public office 1 in 10 believed people with mental health problems should not be allowed to have children 1 in 4 said that being around someone with a mental health problem can make them feel uncomfortable Survey of public attitudes, ORS on behalf of Time to Change Wales, 2013

The picture in Wales In a survey of people with mental health problems… 56% had experienced stigma and discrimination by their work colleagues 33% felt that mistakes at work were attributed to their mental ill health 30% of work colleagues made snide/sarcastic remarks 30% of work colleagues avoided them TTCW employment survey, 2013

Addressing workplace stigma in Wales?

What are organisations doing? Signing a pledge to support the campaign Nominate a champion(s) to lead the campaign within the organisation Develop an action plan to deliver a programme of anti stigma work within their organisation Utilise our resources & key messaging Joining a network of pledged organisations to share best practice and knowledge

Be extraordinary…

Ant Metcalfe Programme Manager Facebook.com/ttcwales