The Cyprus Mental Health Protection Association on Tuesday urged employers to consider hiring individuals with mental health challenges, stressing that everyone can be a productive member of society.
The association’s call aligns with this year’s World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, which focuses on mental health at work, as announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“The stigma and discrimination often prevent individuals with mental health conditions from seeking help or maintaining employment,” the association said in a statement.
The association’s president Evi Antoniadou Magou also underlined the importance of employment for people facing mental health issues, saying that work not only boosts their confidence but also provides a level of financial independence.
The association currently employs three individuals at the Athalassa hospital canteen, two of whom have mental health conditions.
Additionally, it offers symbolic payments to participants in the occupational rehabilitation unit programme run by state health services Okypy.
The aim is to assess the abilities of people with mental health issues and help them reintegrate into the workforce. Two job coaches also work with the association to help individuals find employment and provide ongoing support to both employees and employers.
The WHO also released a statement on Tuesday, saying that raising awareness, providing training, and involving people with mental health challenges are key to creating healthier and more inclusive work environments.
With 60 per cent of the global population employed, the WHO called for urgent action to prevent mental health risks in workplaces.
“Governments, employers, and workers’ organisations must collaborate to improve mental health in work settings,” the statement added.
