// Intu signs mental health pledge with Time To Change to support its colleagues
// Time To Change found that one in six Brits experience mental illness in the workplace
// The Time To Change pledge is run by mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness
Intu has signed a new pledge to help support the mental health of its 2500 employees, as “one in six British workers experience mental illness”.
The Time To Change pledge, which is run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, aims to change attitudes to mental health in the workplace.
Intu said it will put a plan of activity in place that includes running a mental health awareness programme across the business.
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“We are absolutely committed to reducing the stigma around mental health and facilitating more open and honest conversations around mental health and wellbeing at Intu,” Intu chief executive Matthew Roberts said.
“The importance of good mental health and wellbeing is something I have felt passionately about for many years. I shared this at my first all-company meeting when I became chief executive earlier this year and I have been delighted by the fantastic response and support from across the business that is helping us to start this important journey.”
Time to Change interim director Jo Loughran said: “We know it can be hard to talk about mental health, which is why we’re supporting employers to open up; to talk and to listen.
“Too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless, but with the right support, those of us with mental health problems can recover and have equal opportunities in all areas of life. Everyone’s attitude makes a difference and it’s fantastic to see organisations like Intu taking the lead.
“Many leading employers have found that making a strategic commitment to the mental wellbeing of their workforce not only benefits their staff but also their bottom-line, improving productivity and staff retention. With one in six British workers experiencing mental illness it’s time for businesses to make a change and start creating more mentally healthy workplaces.”
In late November, Intu hired PwC to work alongside its existing advisers in restructuring its balance sheet as it prepares to ask investors for new capital.
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