Intu makes mental health support pledge

Shopping centre owner intu has signed a charity-driven pledge to better support the mental health of its workforce. The landlord has signed up to Time to Change, run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness and funded by the Department of Health, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund. The pledge has been made alongside a plan that includes running a mental health awareness programme for intu’s 2,500 employees. Chief executive Matthew Roberts (pictured with employee Matthew Berrie), said: “The importance of good mental health and wellbeing is something I have felt passionately about for many years. “I shared this at my first all-company meeting when I became chief executive earlier this year and I have been delighted by the fantastic response and support from across the business that is helping us to start this important journey.”    Jo Loughran, interim director of Time to Change, said: “We know it can be hard to talk about mental health, which is why we’re supporting employers to open up, to talk and to listen. Too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless, but with the right support, those of us with mental health problems can recover and have equal opportunities in all areas of life.” In a survey of 664 property professionals by EG, 71% of respondents said they have experienced mental illness, with a quarter having considered taking their own life. Emma Mamo, head of workplace wellbeing at Mind, said of the survey results: “It is worrying to see such high levels of mental health problems and suicidal thoughts specifically within this industry. What is clear is the need for employers to take this issue seriously and try to create mentally healthy environments.” To send feedback, e-mail tim.burke@egi.co.uk or tweet @_tim_burke or @estatesgazette