South East Coast Ambulance Trust NHS Foundation Trust
(SECAmb) has shown its commitment to ending mental health stigma
and discrimination in the workplace by signing the Blue Light Time
to Change pledge.
The signing ceremony took place at the Trust headquarters at
Banstead in Surrey and was signed by Trust Chief Executive Paul
Sutton.
The signing pledges the Trust’s support to the Blue Light
Programme, promoting a better understanding of mental health
problems while offering support and wellbeing advice to its staff
and volunteers. Paul was joined by representatives from
operational, control and support staff for the signing.
He said: “We understand the pressures and demands which exist
for anyone working for an emergency service and we are committed to
doing our utmost to support all staff. They do an amazing job in
often difficult and traumatic circumstances and we welcome all
efforts to recognise and minimise those pressures.”
SECAmb joins the nationwide movement of emergency service
employers and associations that have pledged to tackle mental
health stigma and discrimination, including Kent Fire and Rescue,
Kent Police, Leicestershire Police, the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency and Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “Not only are many
of our blue light personnel struggling with their mental health,
but they’re less likely to seek support or have time off sick than
the general workforce.
“Good mental health should be a priority in any workplace but it
is especially important that people exposed to traumatic of
life-threatening situations – such as those working within the
police, ambulance, fire and search and rescue services – receive
appropriate support. By signing the Blue Light Time to Change
pledge SECAmb is helping to fight stigma and promote positive
mental health in emergency services.”