Cadent makes ‘Time to Change’ pledge on mental health

Feb 6 2020 corporate working for us

Cadent pledges to tackle the stigma around mental health
Company urges staff to speak out if they’re facing mental health issues
Cadent commits to a 12-month action plan on mental health

Britain's biggest gas distribution company, Cadent, has pledged to tackle the stigma around mental health.

Speaking out today (6 February) – Time to Talk Day – Chief Executive Steve Fraser announced the company’s commitment to a 12-month action plan to promote mental well-being and encourage its 4,500 staff to speak up if they are facing mental health issues.

Steve signed the Time to Change pledge, which will see the company running a host of activities. These will include reducing the stigma around mental health by encouraging staff to discuss it, running mental health ‘first aid’ training and promoting life-style choices proven to help mental health thrive.

“Too many people are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless because of mental health problems. By opening up the conversation we can bust myths and break down barriers,” said Steve.

He added: “There are sound business reasons why companies should take mental health seriously. Mental ill-health costs UK businesses up to £42 billion annually and sees 300,000 people a year leave their jobs.

“We all need to get better at recognising mental ill-health, managing it effectively, and understanding the things we can do that can help our mental well-being thrive.”

Cadent is the latest of some 1,400 companies in Britain to sign up to the Time to Change Employer Pledge. The pledge is supported by a 12-month employer action plan, founded on the principles of 2017 ‘Thriving at Work Report’ and built upon five years of evidence-based research.

According to Time to Change, which campaigns to transform attitudes to mental health, one in four British workers are affected by conditions such as anxiety and stress every year. Some 90% of people who experience mental health problems say they face stigma and discrimination as a result.

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

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