AN event is being held to help local employers address the issue of supporting staff with mental health problems.

1 in 4 employees will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life.

A mentally healthy workforce is a productive one; there is a clear link between mental health, productivity and absence. Making work accessible gives employers the best choice of candidates.

For employers, it can be a costly problem. Work related costs of mental ill health are estimated at £30bn in England. Mental illness is defined as a disability and covered by the Equality Act 2010, so there are also legal implications and obligations.

Through Darlington Cares, employers have come together to develop an initiative to help local businesses support mental well-being in the work place.

With support from Public Health, Darlington Partnership and Darlington Borough Council, local employers are able to share their skills and expertise, to help other employers in Darlington to begin to address this important issue.

Businesses are invited to attend a Meet the Buddy event on Thursday March 26 where they can find out more about this pioneering scheme which will allow small and medium sized firms to share the mental health expertise of larger companies. Organisers would also like to hear from any companies who are interested in sharing their knowledge and expertise with local businesses.

The event takes place from 12:30 to 2.00pm at the Beehive, Lingfield Point, Darlington.

For more information on the scheme and how it might benefit you, please visit http://www.darlingtoncares.co.uk/mental-well-being-in-workplace/

Free parking is available and a light lunch will be provided.

To find out more or to confirm your place at this FREE event, please contact Katie Blundell tel: 01642 738970, email: k.blundell@tees.ac.uk .