Succeeding in its Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) strategy since 2012, global recruitment specialist PageGroup has launched Ability@Page in the UK, an initiative that supports employees who are directly or indirectly affected by disability. Referred to internally as ‘OpenPage’, the programme champions a diverse, multicultural and inclusive workforce that informs employees of the support available to them through consistent internal communications campaigns.

Ability@Page demonstrates PageGroup’s commitment to disability and aims to remove all barriers: physical, technological and attitudinal. In particular, it seeks to raise awareness and encourage conversation on mental health. Since the launch, the OpenPage team has published a series of real-life profiles of colleagues sharing their own stories of disability and how the company’s partnerships have helped them dramatically. These partnerships include the Business Disability Forum, Vitality for general wellbeing and an Employee Assistant Programme for confidential advice to ensure all areas of support are covered.

Sheri Hughes, Associate Director of OpenPage at PageGroup, commented;

“Ability@Page has been a powerful launch which has generated some incredible feedback from people who were moved by reading the real-life stories. It shows that disability, whatever the form, resonates with so many of us. One in three people are disabled or close to someone who is and we want to encourage employees to engage in these conversations much more openly.

“We are predominantly focusing on non-visible disabilities like mental health to encourage employees to address and seek help through our Employee Assistant Programme. Reading the real-life stories and feeling like they aren’t alone means taking that initial step is a lot less daunting.”

One of the inspirational profiles was written by Bridget Wilson, Business Partner at Page Personnel and an ambassador for Ability@Page, who spoke about how she suffered from mental health issues that affected her work, relationships and life at home.

Commenting on the support available, Bridget said;

“Addressing my mental health problem initially was the hardest part, but once I did, it was a weight off my shoulders. I was referred to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions through PageGroup’s healthcare partner and over time, I started to feel normal again. I’m proud to be an ambassador for this fantastic initiative, simply knowing that I can provide my peers with first-hand advice and help improve the lives of others around me.”

PageGroup continues to support mental health in the workplace alongside the development of its diversity and inclusion activities. Leading the way in recruitment, PageGroup strives to share best practice to the wider industry.