'Championing mental difference' - CIPR to host free event during Mental Health Awareness Week
Six per cent of PR professionals suffer with a mental health condition, with a further 4 per cent preferring not to answer questions on mental health, according to the CIPR's most recent State of the Profession research.
On Wednesday 10 May - during Mental Health Awareness Week - the CIPR will host an open event aimed at educating PR professionals on how businesses can start, evolve and sustain conversations around mental health.
Drawing on 20-years' of global HR experience, Founding Partner of APeopleBusiness and Mental Health in Business, Colin Minto, will deliver an upbeat appraisal of mental health, illness and difference by reflecting on his personal battle with OCD, and the benefits of living with mental illness.
Having led Resourcing and HR Systems for the world's second largest private employer, G4S, for six years, Colin will reveal practical tips and guidance for PR professionals on mental health - from both employer and employee perspectives.
The event will be jointly hosted by the CIPR's Diversity and Inclusion Forum and the Institute's benevolent fund, iprovision.
£226 billion was contributed to UK GDP in 2015 by those living with mental illness, nine times more than the cost to support them in the work or social environments, so it’s great business to ensure your employees are mentally and physically well.
People with mental difference have unique skills, capabilities and qualities as a consequence of, and despite, living with mental illness. These attributes can lead to improved outcomes if embraced and leveraged correctly.
This free-to-attend event takes place from 6pm on 10 May and is open to members, as well as non-members. Pre-registration is required. Read Colin Minto's testimonials and book your place via Eventbrite.
The event will be broadcasted live via the CIPR's Facebook page.
Notes to editors
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).