Several workplace mental health specialists who are visiting Swindon as part of the Mental Health Awareness Week campaign say that employers need to adopt a more open environment on the issue.

Richard Frost who leads Mindful Employer in the UK and is speaking at a Swindon Mindful Employer Network event called “Developing a mindful business” at Jurys Inn Swindon on Monday 23rd May, urges local businesses to consider using Mental Health Awareness Week as an opportunity to promote mentally healthy workplaces.

Richard says: “I would encourage managers and business owners to work with their people to create an honest and open environment on mental health in the workplace. Over the last 10 years we have noticed more people speaking out about the issue, and in some cases talking about their own personal experiences. More UK businesses are approaching Mindful Employer because they realise that mentally healthy environments at work are essential and not just an option.”

Jonathan Naess, who formed the campaign charity Stand to Reason and is now Head of Workplace Mental Health at Open Minds Alliance CIC agrees that businesses need to appreciate that mental wellbeing can make a difference to the success of a business.

“We know that 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues – and this may be a very conservative estimate. It is encouraging to see more openness on this matter in the media, with celebrities and influencers speaking out about their experiences. This is reflected in all aspects of life. By reducing the stigma associated with mental ill-health and allowing employees to speak out can really make a difference to the individuals concerned and help to make your business an attractive place to work for. This will help retain skilled staff for the long term and encourage potential new recruits to join your team.”

Frances Mayes of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council, which funds the network, believes that this is an important opportunity for local businesses to look again at mental health practices and policies at work: “Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time for Swindon businesses to assess whether they are doing enough to support their people and determine how to build a mentally resilient workforce to meet the pressures of a modern economy. I would also urge employers to come along to Swindon Mindful Employer Network events which are both relevant and useful to businesses of all sectors”.

The Swindon Mindful Employer Network welcomes Adam Spreadbury of the Bank of England to their next seminar.

Adam and campaigner and workplace mental health specialist Jonathan Naess will talk to local employers on how they can reduce the negative impact of mental health amongst their workforce while implementing effective monitoring of stress and mental ill-health in their organisations.

Developing a mindful business is being staged with kind support of the Jurys Inn Swindon on Monday 23rd May and will chaired by Melanie Richens of the UK College of Personal Development. Special guest will be Richard Frost who is the UK Lead for Mindful Employer.

This session follows the Mental Health Awareness Week which takes place this year on 16 – 22 May.

Places for this event are available for representatives of Swindon Employers only. Booking is essential.

For more information about this event please contact: smen@swindonmind.org

  • Swindon Mind provides advice, support and services to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem in Swindon. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.