Alex Gage Family Optometrist introduces mental health plan

Alex Gage Family Optometrist has introduced a mental health policy and wellness action plan for employees in support of the Time to Change campaign.

Optometrist and practice owner Alex Gage (pictured with Sarah Gage) was made aware of the initiative when he attended a Mental Health in the Workplace event last month.

Mr Gage arranged a follow-up meeting with Nick Pearson from Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service, who helped establish the policy and plan at the Sheffield-based independent.

Speaking about the scheme, Mr Gage explained: “We all need to support our health at work, so all staff should be offered a wellness action plan, whether they have health issues or not. This sends a clear message that we care about our team’s physical and emotional wellbeing and helps to encourage staff to be open and seek support if necessary.”

The scheme outlines that the independent will promote and support opportunities to enhance professional development, provide access to a range of support mechanisms to staff in need of personal assistance, as well as support and manage return to work who have experience mental health problems or long term sickness.

Time to Change is a campaign led by mental health charities, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, that aims to change the way people think about mental health.