Break the Stigma - mental health support at Home Office

Break the Stigma at the Home Office - raising awareness in mental health

Break the Stigma (BtS) is a frontrunner in the social movement to improve understanding and support for those impacted by mental illness

Break the Stigma has grown, from a local support and campaign group, to become a powerful national Home Office community and a fundamental element in the Home Office Inclusive by Instinct Strategy.

Break the Stigma’s passion and achievements have been rewarded recently, being formally recognised as a Home Office Staff Support Network. This means that the future for the group is assured and positive, as well as confirming the employer’s commitment to Break the Stigma’s cause.

The Vision is:

to create a Home Office where wellbeing is actively promoted by all managers and staff, where mental health is considered with parity to physical health, and where no member of staff would feel stigmatised or discriminated against if they were to disclose a mental health issue. 

Break the Stigma’s 4 formal aims are as:

1. The group exists to Break the Stigma around mental health.
2. To provide practical support to staff experiencing mental health issues, though ‘buddy groups’ and one to one support where appropriate.
3. To support staff well-being and good mental health.
4. To influence senior leaders and Human Resources to ensure good mental health is entrenched at the heart of all Home Office business.

Work is overseen by a strong BtS Board, who are especially involved members of the normal Home Office workforce, and conducted through numerous popular BtS Buddy Groups. The focus of the Buddy Groups is shaped according to the area members’ specific needs. Members also have a strong presence at staff events, providing Wellbeing insight and tailored presentations towards achieving and developing Break the Stigma Goals.

Break the Stigma work alongside:

• Extensive Home Office Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at work coverage.
• National and local Equality, Diversity and Wellbeing networks.
• Progressive and exploratory new techniques and tools, such as the Big White Wall and Headspace, as well as far reaching topical blogs.
• and have recently secured employer support towards the Mind Wellbeing Index.

“Break the Stigma and buddy groups like yours are establishing a culture in the Home Office wherein staff feel valued, respected and feel freer to admit and talk about their mental health conditions. This helps lift the taboo of mental ill health and everyone benefits from it.”

“…because of you, I was able to open a wellbeing room at our work location and run mindfulness sessions and regular Time to Talk events. I want to write more but my words cannot articulate my appreciation to you both. Please continue doing what you have been.”

Break the Stigma leaders with Sir Philip Rutnam, Home Officer Permanent Secretary and Civil Service Disability Champion.