Research with members showed that Mental Health in the Workplace was still an issue of concern for many employers.
To this end the Employers' Forum on Disability organized a "How to Manage Mental Health in the Workplace" seminar to meet this need; the seminar took place in the NICVA building, Belfast, on Thursday 26 June 2003.
The seminar was a continuation of the EFD's Disability Awareness Training series, with Visual, Deaf and Learning Disability Awareness seminars having previously taken place. The "How to Manage Mental Health in the Workplace" seminar delivered practical guidance on a range of key issues geared to an employer's perspective. These included, perceptions and fears, communication, best practice, employment issues, and disability awareness.
The feedback obtained from delegates was very positive and encouraging with many delegates requesting a copy of the speakers notes and requesting further information from Action Mental Health.
This was the second of a series of similar Roadshows planned throughout the province in celebration of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
The Roadshow highlighted Disability Good Practice and featured the Forum's new Disability Awareness video and presentations from a number of key speakers. Councillor Seamus Shields, Omagh District Council, welcomed everyone to the event and expressed delight at the excellent response from local employers. Gabrielle Fitzpatrick McCrickard, Manager of the Employers' Forum on Disability (NI), outlined the work of the Forum and then invited everyone to view the video.
Following this, Ms Rosemary Rafferty, Head of Personnel & Training, Omagh District Council, Ms Patricia Grimes, Manager, New Deal, Omagh District Council and Mr Gerry McLaughlin, Board Member, Employers' Forum on Disability (NI) then highlighted good practice initiatives within their organisations. An employee from the Council Peter Donaghy also gave a direct and personal account of his working experiences and disability including his work with Omagh District Council.
Finally Clare Mooney, Disablement Employment Advisor from the Disablement Advisory Service (DEL) gave guidance and advice to employers about their roles and programmes available within DAS.
On closing Gabrielle thanked the Council for hosting the event and thanked the speakers for their enthusiasm and participation. She encouraged all employers and service providers to work towards good practice to ensure access for people with disabilities as employees and customers. A similar Roadshow has taken place in Derry on Monday 10 November 2003, hosted by Derry City Council.
For further information about the Roadshow and the work of the Employers' Forum on Disability please contact Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Manager, Employers' Forum on Disability. Tel. 028 4062 4526, email info@efdni.org .