March 2021
Mental health and wellbeing are incredibly important for us all. That’s why, since day one of being Watford’s MP, it has been one of my top priorities.
Pre-COVID I set a goal to train 1,000 mental health first aiders across Watford. The Prime Minister kindly launched the campaign last year, and I am pleased to say much progress has been made thanks to the generosity of Camelot with funding, and the hard work of the Watford Chamber of Commerce who are making this a reality.
There is no doubt COVID has made this initiative even more important, and I am pleased to share that MPs in other constituencies are already duplicating this work. Watford is truly leading the way in mental wellbeing.
However, there is even more to do as people begin to return to the workplace. That is why on the 23rd March I will fulfil a long-time political ambition in an attempt to change legislation around mental health by introducing a Ten Minute Rule Bill.
The Bill will aim to introduce legislation to make mental health first aid a part of workplace first aid. Across the UK, there has been a steady increase in people accessing mental health services, with 1.2 million in 2019 and this number is expected to rise significantly due to the pandemic.
As we emerge from the pandemic, I have no doubt that we will see an increase in challenges around mental health so as we begin to encourage employees to physically return to work, I believe we have an opportunity to ensure we also prepare employers to adequately provide a form of mental first-aid.
Whilst employers are encouraged to include mental-health first aid as part of first-aid training requirements, I believe legislative changes would ensure people are supported and able to get help if they need it.
I am pleased to say I already have the support of the #wheresyourheadat team who have gathered over 200,000 signatures for their petition for changes in rules around mental health in the workplace.
It is upon us all to look out for each other and I hope Watford will support me in pushing this Bill through Parliament.
If you are interested in the mental health first aid training programme please visit https://watfordchamber.co.uk/m-h-f-a-2021-lets-get-trained/
Additional info: https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/glossary/ten-minute-rule-bil…
