Regional Forum: Yorkshire: mental health focus

5th February 2009, 10.00am - 4.00pm, Leeds

Mental ill health costs business an astonishing £9 billion a year in lost time with up to 30% of the workforce experiencing mental health problems, such as depression, at any one time. However, many employers lack confidence in supporting these employees. This event will equip your staff with the knowledge and practical solutions on how best to manage staff with mentalill health.

Regional forums are free to EFD members and provide up-to-date information on a specific theme, determined by member feedback from previous events. While enabling members to network and share best practice, they also highlight how to make the best use of the support EFD membership provides. Members receive an invitation with further details of event content nearer to the time of each event. 

The event will be chaired by Phil Friend OBE, Chair of RADAR, EFD associate and director of Minty & Friend, with inputs from:

• Simon Francis, Programme Lead, Mental Health and Employment, CSIP Yorkshire and Humberside.
• Steve Walter, Director, Making Connections Matter.
• Jackie Holme, Employment Engagement Worker, Mental Health Matters, Wakefield.
• Jessica Wilson, Health Promotion Specialist (Mental Health in the Workplace) NHS Rotherham.
• Legal representative, Eversheds.

Why attend?

This event enables delegates to:

• Explore ways of tackling stigma around mental ill health in the workplace.
• Discover the economic impact and social benefits to your business of creating a working environment that promotes mental wellbeing. 
• Understand your legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.
• Make reasonable adjustments that help you to retain staff and maximise their performance, including attendance management. 
• Look at how to support line managers who are managing colleagues with mental ill health. 
• Share best practice and network with other EFD members.

Who should attend?

Line managers, occupational health practitioners, HR managers, diversity and disability practitioners.