A new initiative to give public sector workers the knowledge, skills and tools to support people suffering mental ill health has been praised by Greater Manchester’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.
Jim Battle took part in the Connect 5 training session in Stockport this week, which encourages frontline service providers and volunteers, such as housing officers, drug and alcohol workers and youth workers, to talk to people about their mental health and wellbeing.
More than 2,000 people have taken part in the training across Stockport, Manchester and Bolton so far and the programme is being rolled out across Greater Manchester.
Jim said: “Mental health is everyone’s business – we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it. This training will give frontline staff and volunteers the skills and confidence to have that conversation about mental health, helping the people they come into contact with on a day-to-day basis take charge of their own mental wellbeing. If it helps just one person to open up about how they are feeling and seek help, then that is one less person suffering in silence.
“This is part of a wealth of work going on across Greater Manchester to transform how we deal with mental health issues and support the most vulnerable in our communities.”
The training has been developed by Stockport Public Health, in partnership with Manchester and Bolton Public Health teams. It has been funded by the Greater Manchester Justice and Rehabilitation Board, chaired by Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.
Today (Thursday 4 February), also marks Time to Talk Day, which aims to get as many people as possible talking about mental health. The initiative is led by Time to Change – a national campaign to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
Jim added: “Time to Talk day is an opportunity to encourage people to break the stigma surrounding mental health. People suffering mental health problems are already facing a difficult and confusing time. They need help and support, not discrimination and isolation. It’s important that the conversation continues beyond today and translates into real action – that is what we’re doing in Greater Manchester.”