Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is committed to improving mental health and reducing instances of suicide in our community. As part of its Suicide Prevention Action Plan, and in recognition of the importance of good mental health in the workplace, training around mental health awareness, suicide awareness and suicide bereavement training has been made available to all council staff. Training is free of charge and is offered on a voluntary basis.

Council staff now have access to End Stigma Surrey’s Mental Health and Stigma Awareness training, an online course that addresses stigma and helps foster an environment that encourages mental health discussions. Also available is Rethink’s Bereaved by Suicide training which supports anyone affected by the loss of a loved one through suicide.

The council also provides Suicide Awareness training, which includes in-depth sessions for staff who deal with challenging or distressing situations as part of their role, and Mental Health First Aider training. Via Mental Health First Aider training, staff can develop skills to spot the signs of poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation about it, and the knowledge to signpost to appropriate support.

Jackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said:

“With the theme of World Mental Health Day being about prioritising mental health in the workplace, now is a good time to reiterate our commitment to the mental wellbeing of our people. Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan provides a platform to ensure that we continue to provide support and resources to those who need it, including our staff.”

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee said:

“I would encourage residents to take advantage of any mental health training and courses available to them. When it comes to mental wellbeing, practical skills and knowledge can make a real difference, offering confidence to speak up when an individual may be at risk or in need of support.”

As part of World Mental Health Day, from 10th October, illustrated boards showing information captured at the council’s Walk & Talk event, held on World Suicide Prevention Day, have been displayed at Epsom Picturehouse. This is the next leg of a tour that has seen the boards displayed at Epsom Downs Racecourse and the Rainbow Leisure Centre.

For more information on some of the mental health support and resources available across Epsom & Ewell - epsom-ewell.gov.uk/resources-support.

End Stigma Training is available to all. Find out more about the training: endstigmasurrey.org.uk