Business leaders in Chatham-Kent are getting the opportunity to learn about how they can help employees on a deeper level.
Mayor Randy Hope says the growing number of mental health cases has turned into a "crisis situation." In order to address the crisis, a meeting will be held on May 8 at the Capitol Theatre, where community leaders can learn about mental health and how to help others.
"Based on some of the policing numbers I see and other things, we have a crisis situation that we need to address," says Hope. "Holding a conference brings better awareness to what needs to happen."
Hope adds it's important to have a network in place and better inform corporate leaders on mental health, that way employees feel safe when discussing their needs.
"As a CEO or a head of a company, you'll start to understand the benefits of being there to support an individual," he says. "It will increase productivity, it will cut down absenteeism, and it will make your company quality a lot better than it is today."
Following the summit, Hope says there will be a flag raising at the Civic Centre for mental health awareness.
