A CHARITY is launching a new scheme to help companies support mental health in the workplace.

The Dorset Mind Works campaign follows a report by Mind and Deloitte which reveals that nationally 300,000 people with a long term mental health problem lose their jobs each year.

The charity says poor mental health costs the UK economy between £74 billion and £99 billion a year. Deloitte’s analysis shows that the cost to employers is between £33 billion and £42 billion of this number.

Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind’s chief executive, said: "This is simply a ‘win-win’ situation. Companies in Dorset can get the help they need to keep their staff mentally healthy and at the same time be doing their bit for local communities.

"We do have to charge employers to work with us to set up ‘Dorset Mind Works’ but by supporting us financially it means we can help more and more people in the community really struggling with mental health difficulties."

Contact Dorset Mind at contact@dorsetmind.uk for more information.