Mental health charity accused of bullying staff

A BULLYING investigation has been launched at a mental health charity after former workers complained of a “toxic culture”.

Mind Cymru is investigating the claims after one former employee described working there as like being in “a war zone”.

The charity supports people with mental health problems – including sufferers of workplace bullying.

But Mind Cymru – which has received £1.6million of taxpayers’ money in the past three years – was accused of harbouring its own “toxic” bullying culture at its Cardiff headquarters.

Andrew Jones, a former worker, said: “The bullying is very subtle. They play mind games with you ... It’s almost like you’re living hand-to-mouth in a war zone and you’re constantly watching your back. The effect is really debilitating mentally and physically.”

Louise Watkins, another former worker, said: “As an adult you feel totally alone and you think is it my perception? But it isn’t. You can’t deny the way you feel. But I think as an adult you just feel stupid. Looking back now I wish I’d spoken up before I left.”

Mind Cymru – the Welsh branch of charity Mind – said it would look into the allegations.

Paul Ward, its chief operating officer, said: “We take the well-being of our staff very seriously and we are very saddened to hear that people who have worked for us feel they had a bad experience. We do not tolerate bullying and take any allegations extremely seriously. We are keen to get to the bottom of what has happened and make sure that we are addressing any issues that might lead staff to feel unsupported.”