The charity says improving information and reducing misunderstanding helps people to talk about their feelings.

Mind will be working with employers in Jersey to help promote good mental health and wellbeing in the workplace in a bid to break down the stigma.

James Le Feuvre, Executive Director at Mind Jersey, told Express about what his team will be getting up to in 2018…

“Mind Jersey is a small and independent local mental health charity with a vision of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all and treats people with experience of mental illness, fairly, positively and with respect. We provide support and help so that people can take control of their mental health and live full lives.

“In 2018, we will continue our campaign to tackle stigma, improve information and reduce misunderstanding about mental illness. We know that reducing stigma will help many more people talk about their feelings and seek help much earlier than they might otherwise have done. We know, too, that early interventions are important in promoting recovery and that ‘nipping things in the bud’ is nearly always the best approach.

“Taking steps to look after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health and our messages in 2018 will continue to include finding someone to talk to and share your concerns with and – above all – not to suffer in silence. These messages apply particularly to men who often find it difficult to admit that things might not be right. We want to help islanders spot their own ‘early warning’ signs and feel more confident in talking about them and then reaching out for support.

“Mind Jersey is committed to extending our work with local employers in the promotion of good mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. To achieve this important goal in 2018 we will continue to provide Mental Health First Aid training for as many workplaces as we can as we believe that increased understanding and support in this environment is good for employees, employers and the ‘bottom line’.

“We know that half of all mental health problems have been established by the age of 14, rising to 75% by the age of 24 and this tells us that we must extend our work in support of young islanders. We will do this by listening to young people, encouraging their participation and promoting greater understanding about the importance of supporting them from the earliest opportunity. In 2018 we will continue to work with schools and colleges in the promotion and maintenance of healthy schools and good mental health for all young people.

Pictured: James Le Feuvre, Executive Director at Mind Jersey.

“Mind Jersey believes that carers have an essential role to play in the care that might be provided for their loved one experiencing mental health difficulties.  We will continue to support families and carers, campaigning for them to be treated with respect and as an equal partner, and ensure that they are listened to and heard.

“We welcome the renewed emphasis that is being placed upon mental health issues, both nationally and locally and hope that this will continue in 2018. Finally we would like to wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year.”

Click here for more information about Mind Jersey.