Just one month on from its launch, organisations in Leicestershire have signed up enthusiastically to help people with their mental health.
As part of World Mental Health Day (10 October), the county council is highlighting the early success of its Mental Health Friendly Places scheme along with the support it offers to Leicestershire residents.
Since launching in September, more than 15 organisations in Leicestershire and Rutland have already signed up to become mental health friendly places, including both businesses and charities.
The training will help any organisation recognise the signs and symptoms of poor mental health, have healthy conversations and signpost to local mental health and wellbeing services.
The NHS England-funded partnership initiative with Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council was created to help support and encourage local people to start or support conversations about mental health.
Residents of Leicestershire can also play their part in learning more about mental health and suicide prevention through Start a Conversation online course.
With 1 in every 100 deaths worldwide the result of suicide, Start a Conversation widens understanding of how to prevent suicide, including spotting the signs of suicide and guidance on how to have healthy conversations on the topic.
The website also has advice and support for anyone looking to get the right mental health support.
This is a fantastic early success and we’re excited to see so many organisations taking up this free chance to improve their understanding of mental health. We’re ready to support any other places who would like to be trained.
“Mental health does not discriminate and can affect anyone at any time, so empowering organisations and individuals through Start a Conversation means more and more people will have knowledge that can help guide people to get mental health support.
Person:Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing
Anyone interested in finding out more about Start a Conversation, looking for support about their mental health or registering to become a mental healthy friendly place can visit the Start a Conversation webpage.
If you are worried about the immediate health and safety of yourself or anyone else, please contact 999.