12th March 2008

Dear Sir/Madam

"Counting The Cost of Mental Health and Well-being" Awareness Event Wednesday 9th April 2008 - Guildhall, Derry

Derry City Council would like to extend an invitation to you and/or a representative from your organisation to attend a Mental Health Awareness event, which is being hosted and organised by Derry City Council in association with AMH - New Horizons Foyle, Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health and The Health Promotion Department Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Everyone has mental health needs and at least 1 in 5 people in Northern Ireland experience problems that affect their mental health. All too often, people suffering from mental health problems can experience social exclusion, stigma and discrimination.

Whilst mental health problems have many causes, problems may develop if work is stressful, perhaps because of the nature or organisation of the job, unsupportive line-management, long or unsocial hours, lack of control or flexibility, or when pay and other rewards are not commensurate with effort expended. One study has suggested that work-related stress is now thought to affect one third of the workforce.

People with mental health problems should be helped to participate in society as fully as they are able, including in employment. Work provides an opportunity not only for someone to earn wages, and thereby achieve greater financial security, but also confers social status and identity, a sense of achievement and a means of structuring one's time.

Given that mental health and well-being is a growing area of concern it is intended that this event will provide you with an opportunity to learn about:

· The issues that people who have a mental illness face

· The employer's legal obligations towards their employees in terms of health and well-being

· How employers who take a positive approach and operate effective policies and programmes can have substantial business benefits

· Practical measures employers can take in terms of policy and reasonable adjustments to the work (schedule, content, pace, pressure) to meet the needs of their employees

· Good practice in creating a healthy work environment

· The high level of advice, support and information that is available to members of the community and employers at a local level to protect and promote mental health.

This occasion also provides attendees with the opportunity to become acquainted with the support mechanisms that are available to them in the form of the local groups and organisations who operate in this field.

A light buffet lunch will be provided after the event and this will allow you the opportunity to network with the representative groups and other invited guests. Full details of the format for the event are attached for your information.

Yours faithfully

Mr Anthony McGurk

Town Clerk and Chief Executive

"Counting The Cost of Mental Health and Well-being"

Awareness Event - Wednesday 9th April 2008 - Guildhall Derry

You may confirm your attendance by telephoning 028 71365151 Ext 6705 or Text phone 028 71 376648

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