Introducing a New Role at Ghana Somubi Dwumadie: Disability Accessibility Officer (Mental Health)
Dorcas Efe Mensah is the Communications Manager of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie.
Ghana Somubi Dwumadie has introduced the transformative role of Disability Accessibility Officer (Mental Health) to provide dedicated mental health support to the programme’s communication manager, who champions this role while navigating her journey with a mental health condition.
The rationale behind the introduction of this role was underpinned by the organisation's commitment to fostering a workspace that champions accessibility and inclusivity for all its employees. This milestone is a testament to the acknowledgment that mental health plays an integral role in the wider context of disability inclusion, emphasising the significance of creating a supportive work environment that not only acknowledges but warmly embraces workers with mental health conditions.
Some of the key tasks of the Disability Accessibility Officer (Mental Health) include:
Ensuring Appropriate Mental Health Care: One of the key responsibilities is to ensure the Communication Manager receives suitable mental health care. This encompasses support and guidance with medication management, scheduling appointments, coordinating psychotherapy sessions, and facilitating any other treatments recommended by mental health professionals.
Feedback from the Communication Manager is actively sought to assess the effectiveness of interventions. This feedback informs ongoing planning and adjustments to the support provided.
Creating a Supportive Workplace Environment: The officer is tasked to craft a supportive workplace environment, minimizing stressors that could trigger the Communication Manager’s condition. This involves implementing measures like short breaks or providing access to mental health resources such as podcasts, and assisting with workload management to meet deadlines.
Developing a Crisis Plan: A crisis plan is devised for intervention during a mental health crisis or emergency. This includes identifying a point of contact within the workplace and outlining a strategy for managing potential crises.
Since the role of Disability Accessibility Officer (Mental Health) has been implemented, there have been numerous benefits across Ghana Somubi Dwumadie:
Reduced Relapses: By creating an environment that supports and accommodates people with disabilities, including people with mental health conditions, the organisation has fostered a healthier workforce. The communication manager has reported a reduction in mental health relapses.
““The rate of my hospitalisations has drastically reduced, along with my need to often see a therapist. I am able to identify my triggers and deal with them ahead of time. Knowing there is support available whenever I need it at work calms me.” ”
Greater awareness of mental health in the workplace: Employees who feel supported in their mental health journey tend to be more engaged, productive, and creative.
““This is one of the most significant supportive roles I have witnessed in a disability-focused organisation. The collaborative work output is simply amazing!” ”
The role has offered other staff the opportunity to better appreciate what mental health is and what its related crisis response is about. It has offered programme staff the opportunity to readily ask questions and get clarity on mental health issues.
““I learn a lot about mental health and the DA officer is always available to give practical examples of mental health issues and how to navigate them.””
Cross-fertilisation of learning: This role is part of nurturing a culture of support and inclusiveness for staff navigating mental health conditions within the workspace, and the post-holder is also nurtured and supported in fulfilling their role and growing in it.
“ “I have benefitted from other programs available at Options which was introduced to me, courses that have enhanced my learning and organisational culture to promote a productive workspace.” ”
In conclusion, the importance and benefit of providing reasonable adjustments to staff with mental health conditions cannot be over-emphasised, especially in light of the Ghana Mental Health Act of 2012 which is a legislative stride toward safeguarding the rights of people with mental health conditions and their access to requisite mental health care services. Ghana Somubi Dwumadie's stance in introducing this role speaks volumes about its dedication to supporting people with mental health conditions.
The programme hopes to engender a ripple effect to inspire other organisations to embark on a similar journey of inclusive transformation. This serves as an inaugural case study in the realm of mental health in Ghana, with valuable insights gleaned from its implementation poised to guide and inspire others who embark on a similar path. We believe that organisations can leap toward the advancement of an all-encompassing workplace culture that not only champions inclusivity but also underscores its commitment to the holistic mental well-being of its workforce.
Article co-produced by Dorcas Mensah and Kelvin Odonkor