Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 18-24 May 2020. The theme this year is 'kindness'.
Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems and inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all. It has been run by the Mental Health Foundation since 2001.
The focus on kindness is a response to the coronavirus outbreak, which is having a serious impact on people's mental health. Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: "We want to use Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the thousands of acts of kindness that are so important to our mental health. And we want to start a discussion on the kind of society we want to shape as we emerge from this pandemic."
For those of us with new or existing mental health problems, we may never have felt more lonely or isolated. Nobody should have to face a mental health problem alone. Take this opportunity to #SpeakYourMind and reach out to someone who needs a friend with a positive message, or share with them your own tips for coping to make sure they don't have to face this pandemic alone.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, hundreds of events take place around the country to raise awareness for mental health. Schools, businesses, community groups and even people in their own homes host events to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation. Check out the MHF list of Virtual Events that you can get involved with this May. They are asking members of the public to use this opportunity to dream up your own act of kindness. If you want to you can even take a photo or video (with permission!) and use the hashtags: #KindnessMatters #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. If your struggling for ideas you could watch some inspiring 'kindness' stories online.
Many organisations are getting involved from national organisations like MIND to local organisations like YANA and Bridge for Heroes. For those who need immediate help Shout 85258 offer a 24/7 texting service run by volunteers willing and able to help you come through a crisis.
More information can be found online by searching for 'mental health week' or by following this link: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Organisations & Helplines
Shout - text 85258 for text message support. UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
YANA - Help for those in farming who may be affected by stress and depression. HELPLINE: 0300 323 0400
Bridge for Heroes, King's Lynn - mental health and wellbeing support for the HM Armed Forces Community, veterans and their families. COVID-19 FREEPHONE: 0300 111 2030
The Matthew Project, Norfolk - substance & alcohol misuse, including youth advice line for famillies living with an addict. Unity Youth Advice Line 0800 970 4866 is open 9.00am-5.00pm (Mon-Thurs) 9.00am-4.30pm (Friday)
Mind - advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
