Shropshire Chamber launches new Mental Health Charter

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Mental Health Charter, to recognise employers who are going the extra mile to look after the welfare of their staff.

It is part of the Chamber’s campaign to keep the mental health debate at the very top of the agenda as companies tentatively emerge from the third Lockdown.

Every company which signs up to the free charter receives a certificate of recognition. In return, all they have to do is pledge to adopt three key principles:

• Engaging with and embracing the mental health agenda
• Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace
• Identifying and providing sources of information and support regarding mental health.

Among the first to sign up are the county’s two councils: Shropshire Council, and Telford & Wrekin Council.

Andy Begley, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said: “After a particularly difficult year, it’s no surprise that mental health is high on everyone’s agenda.

“As a council we have always promoted open conversations around mental health, and have lots of support in place to help people when they need it, including a newly-appointed wellbeing officer.

“However, we can and should do more. This is why I was eager to sign Shropshire Chamber of Commerce’s new Mental Health Charter.”

David Sidaway, chief executive of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We already have a number of initiatives in place to support employee wellbeing relating to mental health, with further projects in the pipeline.

“This in an agenda we are eager to develop and so we are delighted to sign up to the Mental Health Charter as a sign of our commitment.”