PEMBROKESHIRE County Council has pledged its support to help remove the stigma around mental health.

The authority’s chief executive Ian Westley, signed the Time to Change Wales pledge on the 25th anniversary of World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, October 10.

Twenty five members of staff have volunteered to act as Time to Change champions to lend an ear to colleagues who are feeling unwell.

“I’m delighted to sign the pledge as a recognition that we need to do more,” said Mr Westley.

“It’s human nature to go to the doctors when we feel unwell physically but quite the opposite when we suffer mentally.

“We tend to bottle up our feeling and say ‘I’ll get over it’ but we need to get rid of that stigma.”

Speaking at an internal event at County Hall, Mr Westley was joined by Mrs Emma Picton-Jones of the DPJ Foundation.

Emma, who works as a Teacher at Prendergast school started the DPJ foundation after her husband Daniel took his own life in 2016. She wants to support people in rural communities who deal with isolation, anxiety, and working pressures.

“Daniel felt that there was no support available for him and was unable to talk about his personal struggles,” said the 29-year-old mother of two.

“Don’t be afraid to talk.”

If you need urgent help, or you’re worried about someone you know, talk to your GP, or tell someone you trust.

The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day – call 116123 for free or email jo@samaritans.org.uk