A construction company building new council homes for Sandwell Council is also delivering mental health awareness training to council employees as part of its social value commitment.

Emma Dempster, project skills manager at Seddon has run two half-day Introduction to Mental Health Awareness sessions for around 20 council workers in the Neighbourhoods Directorate.

The sessions act as a starting point for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of mental health and how they can support themselves and other people. The training helps to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health.

It also gives people understanding and the confidence to recognise the signs of mental ill health  for those supporting or living with someone with mental health issues. Emma said:

"This training is all about breaking the silence around mental health, combating stigma and giving support  to those who need it. As a company we know how invaluable it is to empower our staff and partners top openly and confidently address any mental health concerns they might have."

Sandwell's cabinet member for living healthy lives, Councillor Farut Shaeen, added:

"I applaud Emma and Seddon for delivering this extremely useful and worthwhile mental health awareness to these employees as part of the company's social value commitment to Sandwell Council.

"According to mental health charity MIND, one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year.  It's more important than ever that we can all spot the signs of mental ill health and have the confidence in starting what could be a difficult conversation with the person affected whether it's a colleague or someone we come across in our working or everyday life."

The sessions have been so successful that there are plans to offer intensive two-day courses to the staff who have already attended the half day workshops.