Shoosmiths backs initiative to end mental health stigma

Shoosmiths has pledged to back ‘Time To Change’, an anti-discrimination initiative founded by mental health charity Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, working to change the way we think and act about mental health.

The Pledge involves developing a firm wide plan detailing actions we will undertake to address mental health issues.

1 in 4 people in the wider population will experience a mental health problem, and 9 out of 10 say they have faced negative treatment as a result.

The Time to Change campaign began in 2007 and aims to improve public attitudes towards people with mental health problems and the discrimination and stigma they receive in their communities, workplaces, social lives and in relationships. As such the campaign is drawing upon business leaders to join them in their efforts.

Shoosmiths chairman, Peter Duff, commented: ‘A big step in tackling mental health discrimination is acknowledging that discrimination exists; and committing to ending it wherever possible. At Shoosmiths we are truly committed to ending the stigma attached to mental health and to making our workplaces mentally healthy. Signing the Time to Change pledge is a first step in improving the mental wellbeing of our staff.

‘Mental health is an area in which staff may need additional support. In signing the pledge we are demonstrating our commitment to creating an environment where people can talk about any mental health issues affecting them and be confident that they will get the support they need. It is our hope that as a result of us signing up and living the commitments we are making, that other businesses will follow suit.’

Since the launch of Time to Change, 3.4 million adults in England have improved attitudes towards mental health problems – an improvement of 8.3% between 2008 and 2014, and more people than ever are able to be open about their mental health problems.