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Dumfries and Galloway Council Supports Mental Health Awareness Week

During Mental Health Awareness Week (16 – 22 May) Dumfries and Galloway Council have been alerting their staff to the issues surrounding mental health.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to promoting and supporting a mentally healthy workforce and have taken this opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health and raise awareness about the impact poor mental health can have on us.

1 in 4 people in Scotland will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. When staff members experience poor mental health it can result in decreased productivity, increased absence, changes in behaviour, and relationship difficulties. It’s important that we take steps to look after our own mental health and seek help and support when we need it.

Work is generally good for our mental health: it can provide a source of income, a sense of identity, friendship and engagement with others, a steady routine and structure and opportunities to gain achievements. Being under pressure is a normal part of life, however, where the pressures are excessive and long-term they can lead to stress.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the welfare of our staff the Council has developed a Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy and guidance. The aims of the policy and guidance are to;

·         promote a mentally healthy workforce

·         raise awareness of mental health conditions in the workplace, how to spot the signs, and help to reduce and eliminate stigma

·         provide advice and information about the risks to health at work

·         develop enhanced guidance for managers and employees on identifying mental health problems, how to discuss and manage situations and what support is available to help recovery

The Council is also developing Mentally Healthy Workplace training for managers in partnership with NHS (Dumfries and Galloway) which will launch during this Mental Health Awareness week and will provide managers with a broader understanding and knowledge of mental health in the workplace.

Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Ronnie Nicholson said: “One of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s top priorities is to protect our most vulnerable people.  It is important to remember that everyone’s experience of mental health is different. Two people with the same condition may have entirely different symptoms and coping mechanisms. This is why it is imperative that employers and managers work with employees on an individual basis.

Mental Health conditions can affect everyone, which is why it is so important that all employers in our region, not just the Council, recognise symptoms and provide assistance to those experiencing difficulties. “

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