Issue - meetings

Members considered the following motion submitted by Councillor M. A. Sherrey:

 That this Council supports the Time to Change pledge as follows:

To reduce the stigma of mental illness and support staff who are experiencing, or who may experience, personal or family mental health issues”

The Time to Change Pledge is a public statement of aspiration that an organisation wants to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination

• Any organisation can pledge and there are no restrictions around the size of the organisation or sector.

• An organisational pledge helps break the stigma and silence around mental health.

• Whilst there is a requirement to evidence that any organisational pledge has meaning, it is not a quality mark accreditation or endorsement as such.

• As an organisation Bromsgrove District Council will own the pledge and action plan. As such the Council will take responsibility for completing any actions to which the Council commits.

The motion was moved by Councillor M. A. Sherrey and seconded by Councillor R. J. Shannon.

In proposing the motion the Leader referred to the importance of raising awareness of metal health issues and of providing support to staff within the organisation through a variety of methods including support days, training for staff and the “Phone a Friend” support network.

In seconding the motion, Councillor R. J. Shannon reminded Council of the prevalence of mental health issues within the population and of the importance of addressing these openly and reducing prejudice and fear. It was very  important that the Council as an employer played its part in this. 

Having been put to the vote the Chairman declared the motion to be carried.