This Blue Monday, we are supporting the West Midlands Combined Authority with their regional launch of ‘This is Me’, a pioneering mental health campaign which aims to reduce the stigma around mental health in the workplace.
Developed in London by the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, alongside partners including Mind, Barclays and Time to Change, the campaign aims to dispel myths around poor mental health and raise awareness of the importance of wellbeing.
With over 500 companies already registered in London, Scotland and the North West, Amey have joined the local ‘This Is Me’ steering group to share their Mental Health journey with other businesses in the West Midlands.
Employees Tracy Smith and Lee Harris, both from our Birmingham Highways Contract, have also shared their experiences in ‘This Is Me’ videos being released on social media this week.
Lisa Ingram, Head of Business Improvement for Amey in Birmingham, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the West Midlands launch of This Is Me, and are excited to share with other employers how focusing on good mental wellbeing has benefited our business, allowing us to create a workforce that is dynamic and inclusive, and provide an environment where our people can deliver great service and develop their talent.”
Poor mental health is a significant challenge for the West Midlands, especially within workplaces - 4.1 million working days are lost each year because of poor mental health, costing over £1.5 billion through absenteeism and what has come to be known as presenteeism - being at work while ill.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “This is Me is a fantastic opportunity for organisations to be supported in normalising conversations about mental health, creating workplace cultures that are supportive and open, which together, will enhance the health and wellbeing of employees in the West Midlands”.