Local NHS welcomes job seekers with experience

A Wakefield NHS Trust is encouraging people with experience of mental health problems to get back into the workplace. South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust is one of the employers attending the Wakefield Express jobs fair at the Lightwaves Leisure Centre in Wakefield on 11th September and is reminding people that experience of any health problems, including mental ill health, will not hinder their chances of employment.

The Trust employs over 2300 people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield and is committed to equality of opportunity for all. The organisation recognises that people who have health problems have a wealth of experience to offer employers and values the contribution of personal experience.

Human resources manager for the Trust, Sandy Nicholas said, "All too often people who have experience of mental health problems keep it to themselves and avoid telling their employers. Anyone applying for a role within the Trust can be confident they will not be discriminated against because of any disability or health issue. We encourage applicants to be open and honest about all their health needs, including their mental health, so that we are able to fully support them at work."

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.

The Wakefield Express jobs fair starts at 11am on the 11th September and the Trust’s HR Manager Sandy Nicholas will be present to answer any questions on employment within the NHS, as well as giving advice about disclosing health problems.