A Time to Change

Before I joined the organisation, the CCG had already signed a pledge to commit to supporting the aims of Time to Change; challenging mental health stigma and discrimination.

In order to help raise awareness, increase knowledge, and drive change within the workplace, Richard Kirby, CCG Service Improvement Officer agreed to become an “employee champion” and he helped to develop an action plan. The plan includes a number of events, built around the staff here at the CCG, but also reaching out into the communities we serve. One of the actions requires me to compile a blog—something I am delighted to be able to do.

The statistics show that one in four people will experience a mental health problem, and even in a comparatively small organisation such as the CCG, that still equates to a significant number of people whose lives are, to whatever degree, affected by conditions that may be unseen, but can have such a devastating impact.

As an employer, we will always do whatever we can to support any member of our team; but much as the effects of a physical illness or injury are likely to be obvious, it can be so much harder to spot someone who is struggling to deal with any form of mental illness; more so when even perceived stigma may cause the sufferer to try and hide their condition.

However, I feel that over recent months something very special has started to develop here at the CCG, and I wanted to be able to share our experience with you.

Towards the end of 2016, Richard invited his colleagues to a lunchtime talk about a form of mild, but chronic form of depression called dysthymia. Richard was willing not only to reveal that he suffers from dysthymia, but to discuss the various aspects of how it actually feels to have a mental health condition; and also to answer any questions from those who work alongside him—some of whom had no idea of his situation.

I know it was a difficult thing for Richard to do, but as he said at the time, there is no shame in mental illness and any embarrassment he felt from telling his story was outweighed by the positive impact it might have on his colleagues.

In fact, the “impact” was that two people felt able to talk publicly for the first time about their own circumstances and experiences. It must have been such a huge step for them, but one they felt able to take in such supportive surroundings–what a wonderful and positive outcome.

In addition, Sarah Stringer, CCG Finance and Governance Officer, has become heavily involved as a run leader with a group called Neon Nights. Sarah ran in excess of 1,000 miles last year and she has done a fantastic job in encouraging a number of her colleagues to start running and enjoy the benefits of exercise.

Sarah has even found the time to be a driving force behind the club’s participation in #runandtalk—a campaign to get people talking about mental health, and support those experiencing mental health problems to be physically active through taking up running.

Being able to have these open conversations and having the opportunity to take part in group activities has not only increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues, it has definitely brought us closer together as a group…as a team.

We will, of course, continue to support official Time to Change events but the very real “change” I have seen in my time here is quietly, but undeniably, becoming part of our everyday working lives and a strong foundation to our ongoing commitment to raise mental health awareness. You can also read about Richard Kirby and his challenges on his own blog: www.richardkirby.org