Trust accredited as a Mindful Employer for third year running

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has been formally recognised for the positive commitment it makes to employees experiencing mental ill health.

The Trust has, for the third year running, received accreditation as a Mindful Employer in recognition of the support it provides members of staff experiencing mental ill health or diagnosed with a mental health condition

The endorsement from Mindful Employers UK follows EPUT signing the Charter for Employers Positive about Mental Health in January.

The charter pledges that EPUT will provide non-judgmental and proactive support to staff with mental health needs, be positive and enabling towards all employees and job applicants with a mental health condition and support line managers in managing mental health in the workplace.

Jo Debenham, Head of Staff Engagement at EPUT, said: “We are very proud of the work we do at EPUT to support employees experiencing mental ill health and I am delighted to have received accreditation once again.

“As a mental health and community services trust we strive to provide the best possible care for our service users and those who find themselves experiencing mental health crisis.

“It is important that we also do all we can to look after our staff who provide these vital services and much more throughout Essex and beyond.

“At EPUT we want to do all that we can to create an open culture in which all of our colleagues feel supported and empowered to talk openly about any problems they may be facing.

“The Trust has a number of network support groups including a Disability and Mental Health Network which is open to all staff with disabilities and mental health conditions, as well as those who wish to support them.”