A charity has been awarded almost £20,000 to help businesses tackle mental health stigma in the workplace.

Mind in Brighton and Hove is aiming to support 35 employers in the city and work with hundreds of staff over a year-long period.

The project is being paid for through Time to Change, England’s biggest mental health anti-stigma programme.

It will be led by people who have experienced mental health problems themselves, who will visit businesses and speak to employers and employees.

People with conditions such as depression and anxiety or other problems such as bipolar disorder can find it difficult to talk about them at work.

This may be because they are worried about other people’s reactions and in some cases may worry about whether their condition may affect their job security.

One in four people are said to suffer a mental health problem at some point in their life, but it still remains a taboo subject for many.

Mental health charities and health trusts believe helping |managers and co-workers understand the conditions better will help reduce stigma and provide extra support for those who need it.

The project’s plans include holding informal events where people can chat over tea and cake as evidence suggests this kind of social contact is one of the most effective ways of breaking down stigma and discrimination.

Sarah Danily, from Mind in Brighton and Hove, said: “There are so many myths and misunderstandings surrounding mental health and talking about the issues can really help to break down stigma and discrimination.

“Our clients want to engage with people in a positive fashion, so people feel they can talk about their mental health, particularly in the workplace.”

Time to Change director Sue Baker said: “We know one of the most powerful ways to change attitudes is when people take the lead in driving change within their own communities.

“What works in one community may not work in another, so through the grants scheme, we are putting the power to make change happen locally in the hands of the experts – the people who know their communities the best.”

The project, due to start in January, is expected to cost around £22,000 and so the charity needs to raise the rest of the money needed for it.

It is also recruiting volunteers to take part.

Mind in Brighton and Hove has been working in the city for 42 years and was named charity of the year in this year’s Argus Achievement Awards.

For more details about signing up to the scheme, becoming a volunteer or to make a donation, call Mind on 01273 666950 or visit www.mindcharity.co.uk.