Industry welcomes PM’s support for mental health

Louise Ward, policy, standards and communications director at the British Safety Council, said she hopes that the Prime Minister’s speech will open a new chapter in understanding around mental health in the workplace.

“There is a growing realisation that mental health is a significant issue in UK society," Louise asserted. "It is a complex matter with much research ongoing, but what is clear is that the workplace has a key role to play, not just as part of the problem, but also as a source of solutions and support. We are committed to supporting the development of learning, information, tools and processes which will assist employers in engaging with this important issue.

“Together with the Health in Construction Leadership Group we are looking forward to the launch of the Mates in Mind programme at the end of January 2017. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of poor mental health in the construction sector and will bring the industry together to deal with the stigma associated with mental health.”

Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, added: “The Prime Minister’s welcome vision for mental health reflects our members’ own experiences on the front line where it is clear that greater parity alongside physical care would be an effective way to begin improving public health.

“Mental health is worsening among children and there is too much variation in the care available to people of all ages. Increasing the public’s own awareness and acceptance of mental health is also an important step in helping people to seek help at the earliest time.

“Mental health services still need the Government’s support to speed-up promised funding, much of which is delayed, but we are very pleased that mental health is being accepted as a major priority going forward.”