Tag Archives: mental health

All work and no play is damaging UK family life

ADVO Group interviews Paul Farmer, Chief Executive, Mind

 

Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They help individuals to understand their condition and the choices available to them – through their Infoline, their Legal Advice Service and their award-winning publications and website, certified by the Information Standard. Their network of more than 160 local Minds offer specialised support and care based on local need. Paul Farmer is the Chief Executive of Mind, responsible for leading the strategic and operational direction of the charity. He joined in May 2006 having previously worked for nine years as the Director of Public Affairs at Rethink where he was responsible for the Rethink National Advice Service, campaigns and communications, fundraising and marketing, events, research and user and carer involvement departments. Prior to this, Paul worked as Communications Manager for the Samaritans. Paul has co-authored acclaimed publications on reducing stigma and discrimination and is also a trustee for the Directory of Social Change, a campaigning voluntary organisation that provides the sector with training and publications. Between 2001 and 2006, Paul was Chairman of the Mental Health Alliance, which brings together all the major mental health charities and voluntary organisations to campaign for a better Mental Health Act. Paul was named in the Guardian’s ‘The influence 100’ as one of the top agenda setters for his outstanding work in the mental health field and has been shortlisted for this year’s Third Sector Awards in the ‘Most Admired Charity Chief Executive of the Year’ category. In the latest in ADVO Group’s exclusive interview series we caught up with Paul to discuss mental health in the workplace through the charity’s ongoing ‘Taking Care of Business’ campaign, tips for dealing with stress and much more.

Many were in tears!

Remploy factory closures: Thousands face life without work

 The factories were established 67 years ago as part of the creation of the welfare state

Thousands of disabled people could face permanent joblessness as the final “sheltered” employment factories close.

“I just want to work. I’d do anything, I’d sweep the floors, I’d wash toilets out. I would do any job just to do my bit for the community.”

Simon Huntington worked for 17 years at the Remploy factory in Spennymoor near Darlington. Since the packaging and assembly plant shut in August last year, Simon has found it impossible to secure a new job.

“I’m scared I won’t get another job. I’ve applied for loads of jobs. Interviews come, interviews go and I never get anywhere further. It doesn’t matter what I do, no-one wants to employ me as they can see Remploy on my CV,” he says.

Carers should be routinely screened for depression

Carers ‘facing depression risk’

Saturday 11th May 2013, 8:40AM BST.

Carers should be routinely screened for depression and mental health problems, doctors' leaders say
Carers should be routinely screened for depression and mental health problems, doctors’ leaders say

Carers should be routinely screened for depression and mental health problems, doctors’ leaders say.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) warned that carers often “neglect” their own healthcare, and found that around 40% experience depression or psychological problems.

Holding routine appointments and maintaining a carers’ register within GP practices could solve the “hidden” problem and prevent the £119 billion carers save the public purse being lost, the RCGP added.

Dr Clare Gerada, RCGP chairman, said: “Carers often neglect their own healthcare needs and in many cases it is only a matter of time before they themselves become ill.