SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 1st May (EUROPA PRESS) –
The initiative ‘Hiring me is not crazy’, launched by The Canary Islands Mental Health Federation in collaboration with the Canary Islands Employment Service, aims to encourage the employment of individuals with mental health issues by companies and organizations capable of providing employment in the archipelago.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness and promote the integration of individuals with mental health problems into the workforce, advocating for their fundamental rights and advocating for access to decent, high-quality jobs.
Additionally, the objective is to promote mental well-being and support at the workplace and eliminate any obstacles or restrictions that hinder discussions around mental health in work settings, as stated in a release from the federation.
The initiative is part of the Awareness and Visibility project on Rights, Mental Health and Employment in the Canary Islands, which is funded by the Canary Islands Employment Service. The project aims to educate, raise awareness, and dispel stigmas surrounding mental health issues and the professional capabilities of individuals affected by them.
Yasmina Alonso, the director of The Canary Islands Mental Health Federation, states, “Having a mental health issue does not imply that a person is incapable or unable to work.”
She further adds, “These individuals are just as diligent, independent, responsible, and efficient as others. Their strong motivation and eagerness to work translate into a significant commitment to their employer once they secure a job.”
The launch of ‘Hiring me is not crazy’, which coincides with ‘International Labour Day’ celebrated every 1st of May, is supported by various visual materials including videos, podcasts, posters, and a variety of audiovisual content for social media platforms.
All these resources can be accessed on the website hosted on The Canary Islands Mental Health Federation portal, www.saludmentalcanarias.org.
PROFILES
At the core of the campaign is a panel discussion on employment and mental health featuring professionals in the field, including an equality officer, a manager of a specialized employment centre, a social integrator, an employment counsellor, and insights from former employees, a student, and a current and former entrepreneur.
All these individuals are part of the seven associations under The Canary Islands Mental Health Federation.
On the campaign page, which will run throughout the year with a focus on May, visitors can access information on the economic advantages that companies can gain by hiring workers with mental health challenges. It also sheds light on the obstacles and biases that hinder these individuals from securing employment and the positive impact of high-quality, suitable jobs for them.
Yasmina Alonso mentions, “The Canary Islands Mental Health Federation will guide and inform companies on measures that facilitate the integration of these individuals into the workforce.”
Assistance will be provided on available incentives such as tax deductions, social security benefits, recruitment aids, job adaptation subsidies, regulations, and other advantages that enhance the work environment, corporate image, and social responsibility.
For further information or inquiries, interested parties can reach out via phone at 650 286 442, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, or through the email federacion@saludmentalcanarias.org.
MENTAL HEALTH AND EMPLOYMENT
Individuals with mental health issues face an unemployment rate exceeding 80%, making them the most impacted by unemployment in the disability realm.
In the Canary Islands, this group faces significant challenges in securing employment.
According to a report by the Canary Islands Employment Observatory (Obecan) on the labour market for people with disabilities, mental disorders constitute the largest group among the unemployed in the archipelago, representing 34.44% of the total individuals with functional diversity.
Mental health issues are predicted to be the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2030, with long-term unemployment being a key trigger for mental health disorders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises that work can safeguard the psychological well-being of those living with mental disorders, aiding in their recovery, enhancing their self-esteem, and fostering their integration into society.
Decent employment not only provides a livelihood but also supports good mental health by offering structure, instilling confidence, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment, as highlighted by the federation.
Conversely, work can be a risk factor for mental well-being, with 11% to 27% of mental health issues in Spain linked to working conditions.
The federation asserts that employees have the right to a secure and healthy work environment as it helps reduce stress and conflicts at the workplace, boosts staff loyalty, performance, and productivity.
