DWYFOR and Meirionnydd’s health board is launching a new campaign to ‘normalise’ mental health issues.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is pledging to tackle the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health by lending its support to a national campaign to change attitudes in Wales.

The health board is the latest employer to sign the ‘Time to Change Wales’ charter and pledge to improve awareness, reduce stigma and support staff who are experiencing mental health problems. Time to Change Wales is the first national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems. It is delivered by leading mental health charities, Gofal, Hafal and Mind Cymru. 

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is the largest health organisation in Wales and employs over 16,500 staff.

In addition to the range of existing support available to staff through the health board’s occupational health team, BCUHB will introduce a number of new initiatives to tackle stigma and ensure that staff receive the best support to look after their mental wellbeing.

The health board has pledged to develop a network of ‘mental wellbeing champions’ who will help to challenge the stigma associated with mental health in the workplace and encourage open discussion about the topic.

Mental health and wellbeing information hubs will also be established across its hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units and community based teams in north Wales.

Chief executive, Gary Doherty said: “I am incredibly proud to have signed the Time to Change Wales pledge on behalf of BCUHB. In doing so we are making a very public commitment to our staff that we will do all we can to support them to look after their mental wellbeing and help to reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health in Wales.

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