The I Empréganos Saúde Mental Awards recognize the commitment to employability of people with mental health problems
Mental Health FEAFES Galicia has awarded four Vigo companies through the I Mental Health Employment Awards, for their special contribution to the employment of people with psychosocial disabilities.
On February 8, Saúde Mental FEAFES Galicia celebrated the first edition of its Empréganos Awards at the headquarters of the Vigo Free Zone Consortium. These awards aim Recognize the commitment and involvement of companies, organizations and people who favor the labor insertion of people with mental health problems.
At the event, hosted by the actress Antia Costas, awards were given to four companies from Vigo. In the category Big company was awarded Acciona Facility Services, for its outstanding collaboration in intermediation and job placement, as well as for facilitating the adaptation of jobs to people with different abilities. The award PEME Ordinary Company it was for Orbof which the facilities in access to internship training and the favoring of the labor insertion of the group stand out. Freshcut He received the award PEME Protected Employment for the long history of collaboration with Saúde Mental FEAFES Galicia, as well as for the support and follow-up both in the internship process and in the workplace itself.
As Third Sector Entitythe work of Insert (ONCE Foundation), which stands out for its value as an exclusive resource in training and job placement for people with disabilities, and for collaboration and financing in the line of supported employment.
In the category of Reference Person, he was awarded Eusebio Mendez, manager of Freshcut, in recognition of his personal commitment, involvement and concern for the work environment and for people’s mental health, as well as for his philosophy of integrating diversity. Finally, as Public administration, received an award for Ministry of Employment Promotion and Equalityin recognition of the more than 20 years of support and financing of programs to improve the social and labor insertion of people with mental health problems.
In addition to these awards, diplomas were awarded to companies and entities in the area that throughout 2022 collaborated with Saúde Mental FEAFES Galicia in the job placement of people with mental health problems: Arenal, Grupo SIFU, Panadería Barrio do Cura, Fundación Érguete, igaxes, Norintegra, Píntega, UTE Acciona Mantén, City Council of Vigo and Diputación de Pontevedra.
55% insertion thanks to employment programs
During the event, the president of Mental Health FEAFES Galicia, Jose Ramon Girónpointed out that, throughout 2022, the entity helped 661 people with mental health problems throughout Galicia to find a job, which represents 55% of the people served. This figure contrasts sharply with the general labor insertion rate of the group: 17%. This fact shows that when there is a specialized service behind it, the opportunities for these people multiply.
He also took part in the awards ceremony Manuel Lopez, representative of the users of Saúde Mental FEAFES Galicia and spokesperson for the First Person Committee of Galicia, which focused on the importance of employment for the development of a life project for any person, and especially for those who have a mental health problem. López asked for trust and non-discrimination on the part of the business community, so that people with mental health problems can demonstrate their worth in the workplace.
The Xunta, committed to the insertion
In her speech, the Minister for Employment Promotion and Equality, Mª Jesus Lorenzana, indicated that it is necessary to sensitize society as a whole and also the business fabric to encourage hiring, supporting the elimination of prejudices and stereotypes. He also indicated that the Xunta de Galicia will continue working on projects that favor the labor insertion of people with mental health problems, because employment is a fundamental factor in their inclusion.
In addition to the Minister for Employment Promotion and Equality, the event was also attended by the General Secretary for Employment Support, Self-Employment and Social Economy, Covadonga Touches; the Diputado de Cooperación cos Concellos e Asistencia Intermunicipal, Santos Hector Rodriguezthe Councilor for Social Welfare Policy, Yolanda Aguiar Castro; the Head of the Vigo Psychiatry Service, Jose Manuel Olivares; and the General Director of the Vigo Free Zone Consortium, Ines Gonzalez. There were also representatives of Saúde Mental FEAFES Galicia and its associations, as well as multiple companies in the area.
