BROMSGROVE councillors have shown their support for a mental health campaign.

At the last meeting of Bromsgrove District Council, held at the Council House on Monday, (January 19), a motion was put forward by the authority's leader Councillor Margaret Sherrey.

The motion proposed for the council to sign up to the Time to Change pledge, which aims to end the awkwardness some people feel when talking about mental health, and tackle stigma and discrimination.

During the meeting Cllr Sherrey explained that the authority would show commitment to the pledge through its phone a friend scheme where anyone who wants to talk to someone can speak to trained staff member.

The authority will also be raising awareness, get council staff to complete a wellbeing survey, and provide a list of organisations that are there to help if a staff member needs it.

The notice of motion proposed that the council pledge: "To reduce the stigma of mental illness and support staff who are experiencing or who may experience personal or family mental health issues."

The motion received cross party support, being seconded by Labour councillor Rory Shannon, and was passed unanimously.

The council is one of hundreds nationally to sign the pledge, which is a programme being run by mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Health.

To find out more about the pledge visit time-to-change.org.uk.