Solus is pledging its continued support to employees experiencing mental health issues as the World Health Organisation (WHO) today launches its latest global campaign.

WHO is shining a spotlight on suicide prevention as part of World Mental Health Day. Shocking statistics have revealed that 800,000 lives are lost to suicide globally each year while one in four people in the UK are reported to suffer a mental health issue annually.

Birmingham-based tile supplier Solus prides itself on placing staff at the heart of its operation, putting their health and wellbeing at the top of the agenda. The company teamed up first with Health Assured in 2009 to offer employees a free, confidential support service, 24-hours a day.

Calls are answered by qualified and experienced counsellors who provide help and support in a professional, friendly and non-judgmental manner.

A range of additional services are also available through the Employee Assistance Programme including structured telephone counselling and online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

The helpline provides support for a variety of concerns from family issues, medical information, relationships, lifestyle addictions, domestic abuse, stress, debt, housing, legal, consumer issues, insurance claims and gambling.

Human Resources Manager Holly Oag said: “Mental health issues profoundly affect millions of people worldwide, having a devastating impact on their ability to get through the day, sustain relationships and maintain a job.

“At Solus, we want to create a positive and productive environment, and at the very heart of that principle is the health and wellbeing of our employees. We have a strong ethos of supporting our team which is why we feel it is vital to offer help and assistance through the Health Assured scheme. The service enables Solus employees to access professional help through qualified and experienced counsellors 24-hours a day, seven days a week.”