Local mental health Trust promotes employment equality for all

South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust is supporting a campaign launched today by The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) which aims to promote the value of people with health problems in the work place.

The campaign, called Employ Ability, aims to challenge employer attitudes about recruiting people with disabilities or health issues. It also helps managers and employers learn about the ways in which they can use the talent and skills of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.

South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust employs over 2300 people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield and is committed to equality of opportunity for all and will not discriminate on the grounds of any ill health, and that includes mental ill health.

The Trust recognises that people who have health problems have a wealth of experience to offer employers. The Trust values the contribution of personal experience and believes that services can be improved by listening to those who have mental health problems.

The Trust has already shown its commitment to being an exemplary employer, by signing a charter set up by Mindful Employer. Mindful Employer is an initiative led by employers which aims to raise awareness of mental health at work. This work is strengthened by the campaign launched by the DWP today.

Director of Human Resources for the Trust, Alan Davis said, "The Employ Ability campaign launched today is a great way of supporting employers. Our own recruitment processes encourage people to be open about all their health needs, including their mental health, so that we are able to fully support them at work. Equality is firmly embedded in the culture of our organisation and no member of staff or job applicant would ever be discriminated against due to any health reason."

For current vacancies at the Trust visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk