Healthy Minds handles 1000th enquiry from stressed workers - 4th April 2007
The Wales-based Healthy Minds at Work confidential support line, which provides support to workers experiencing stress, anxiety and depression, has dealt with its 1000th enquiry.
The Healthy Minds at Work (HMAW) support line – operated by LTL Connect – exists to help people in Wales who are experiencing mental health issues, to gain support to help them cope and stay in their jobs – instead of giving up work and moving onto benefits. The ‘phone line is free, confidential and available to a growing number of people working in Wales.
Enquiries are handled by trained counsellors and coaches who can provide relevant information and direct callers to a wide range of sources of help and support.
Healthy Minds at Work, is a partnership between disability employment specialist Remploy, Unison Cymru, and a range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations. Launched in September 2005 and supported by the European Social EQUAL Fund and disability specialist Remploy, the project has worked to develop strategies that help individuals to deal with stress related issues and stay in employment. It also helps employers by enabling them to keep skilled staff and avoid substantial recruitment and training costs of replacements.
Mike Clarke, project director for Healthy Minds at Work said, "Having helped 1000 people in Wales through the support line is a fantastic achievement in a relatively short period of time. When a person gives up work due to stress and depression-related conditions, it is a personal tragedy that also impacts on employers and taxpayers.
"Healthy Minds at Work proves that an integrated network of managed support can help people to cope and stay in employment.”
Rusty Livock, deputy chief executive of LTL Connect, said, “We are seeing a steady growth in the number of people in Wales accessing our service. Anxiety can result from a variety of factors in or outside work, and they can be addressed with the right support network. While many calls are one-offs, large numbers are repeat callers wanting support through a particular crisis.
“Research has shown that callers appreciate the mixture of practical advice, along with coping strategies and signposting mechanisms. Our trained staff are doing a tremendous job.”
Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety or depression can call Healthy Minds at Work on 01443 827600
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