Keynote speakers add sparkle to Swindon network tht supports businesses with mental health issues.

Over the last 10 years Mindful Employer network believes its success is due in part to the excellent speakers who gave their time and effort to motivate Swindon businesses to appreciate mental wellness.

“Many of these contributors would have been keynote speakers at quite expensive conferences in London,” said David Latham, who has managed the network since its began in 2008, “But amazingly many gave up their precious time to join us in Swindon and to spread the word on positive mental health attitudes at work.”

Among those who spoke at events include the organisational psychologist Professor Sir Cary Cooper, Olympian Dr David Hemery, former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey of Clifton, popular motivational speaker Lynne Copp, former Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce David Frost, David MacLeod and Nita Clarke who authored the government workplace report called Engaging for Success, Nicola Oliver of the Centre for Mental Health and Adam Spreadbury of the Bank of England.

Professor Dame Carol Black who is a leading government advisor on workplace wellbeing issues and the current Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge said: “I was delighted to be asked as the conference keynote speaker in 2011 and was impressed to find a room full of enthusiastic representatives of employers eager to learn more about mental wellbeing in the workplace. I believe Swindon has benefitted from a thriving Mindful Employer network which has grown in strength and reputation over the last 10 years. I would like to send my congratulations to everyone concerned in its development and success.”

Public Health at Swindon Borough Council has funded the network since its formation and was instrumental in the initial pre-planning for the group.

Coun Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, said: "Ten years ago we recognised the need to tackle the stigma and discrimination of those affected by mental ill-health. At the time, a lot of focus was put on supporting people with mental health problems accessing employment, but less support had been given to employers to ensure that their workplaces were mental healthy for everyone.

"So the Mindful Employer Network was formed to support employers and inspire them to make the necessary changes to enable their staff to thrive at work. We are proud to have supported the network, co-ordinated by David Latham, which has attracted some excellent speakers and held informative workshops which have raised awareness of mental health problems, how to recognise and support members of staff who are affected and how to get to the most from the workforce.

"I would like to thank all employers who have contributed to the network by attending and making changes in their organisations."