Representatives from 21 organisations have devoted half a day to discussing ways to make their workplace more supportive of people experiencing mental illness.
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The Stop Mental Illness Stigma Charter was at the heart of a workshop in Bendigo this week.
More than 50 organisations Australia-wide have pledged to be informed, to listen, to be mindful of their language, to be inclusive, to challenge stereotypes, be supportive, and to promote returning to wellness.
Murray PHN – the region’s Primary Health Network – launched the charter in May 2016.
Attendees at Monday’s workshop had opportunities to learn more about the charter and develop ideas to incorporate the seven commitments into the culture of their workplace.
Jo Rasmussen, of Murray PHN, said the charter was well received during a trip to Copenhagen for a conference focused on overcoming the stigma associated with mental illness.
While some other campaigns internationally had selected a specific point of interest, she said the Murray PHN campaign covered many.
“We’ve taken all the known ways to reduce stigma and put it on a poster,” Ms Rasmussen said.
She was encouraged to see about 60 people gathered in The Capital Banquet Room to discuss stopping stigma.
“It has such a huge impact on people,” Ms Rasmussen said.
Murray PHN chief executive Matt Jones said the day’s discussions would inform the development of future resources.
“It is very moving to see something that we created being embraced by so many organisations,” he said.
“It goes to show how mental health is becoming accepted as a significant factor in creating a health workforce.”
But there’s still work to be done.
Two in 10 Australian employees have taken a day off work in the past 12 months due to feeling mentally unwell, according to Murray PHN.
“This costs Australian workplaces almost $11 billion annually,” Mr Jones said during Monday’s workshop.
He said people were the most important thing to any organisation and helping staff be at their best, both physically and mentally, was an investment worth making in any workplace.
“People should be celebrated for their differences and not defined by them,” Mr Jones said.
“Too often people experiencing mental illness are labelled by their diagnoses, rather than being seen as people who also happen to have a mental illness.”
Speaker Rik Raftis shared his thoughts on language as part of the workshop.
In doing so, he highlighted the importance of the media in shaping people’s understanding of mental health.
“How about we remember we’re dealing with real people with real problems and issues?” he said.
Similar workshops are scheduled for other regional cities in the Murray PHN region, including Mildura, Shepparton and Albury.
For more information about the charter, visit: www.murrayphn.org.au/stopstigma
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