A pledge to change how we all think and act about mental health signed has been signed by the council.

Watford Borough Council has signed an employer pledge with Time to Change, the social movement run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness which supports people to open up to mental health problems.

By signing, the council is committing itself to act on mental health in the workplace.

The signing ceremony took place at Watford Town Hall and representatives from the Council, including the Managing Director, pledged their support to Time to Change.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “Every year, 1 in 4 of us will suffer with a mental health problem but only half that number will ever seek help.

“We need to break down the barriers surrounding mental ill health and currently prevent people from getting treatment.”

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.

“Everyone’s attitude makes a difference and it’s fantastic to see organisations like Watford Borough Council taking the lead.”