Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is to ‘Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority’. Here, a good few Folk Features favourites share their positive messages
Richard Stewart (pictured above) is the CEO at Student Life, MD at Training For Life and Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Instructor:
‘Student Life is delivering award-winning Mental Health and Wellbeing training to young people throughout the south-east, helping them to be more aware and supportive of their and their peers’ mental health. By supporting young people to help reduce stigma and discrimination, we stand a much better chance of upskilling the next generation to adopt this approach as the ‘norm’ when it comes to making mental health and wellbeing a global priority for all.’
Rechenda Smith, founder of Nurture Marketing:
‘Happy WMH day! Like most humans I’ve struggled with my mental health at times. But one thing I know is that without the adversity and challenges I’ve had in my life, I would not be the bad ass business chick I am today. Resilience is an amazing trait, and you only get it when you’ve survived the emotional wars. It also gives you compassion for others. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. If you can survive you can most certainly thrive. Much love to you all. Have a kick ass Monday and remember just how far you have come.’
Tom Oxley, Workplace Director of Bamboo Mental Health, advises and trains employers on mental health. He has seen the subject spread wider since the pandemic:
‘Mental health is now a topic of concern beyond the nice lady in HR. It’s a board-level agenda item – and the conversation is also happening in western Europe, Asia and US. The statistics on burnout – a form of chronic stress that often shows up at work – also demonstrate it’s a global concern. More European and global companies are employing wellbeing managers – and I’m being asked by more companies to train managers and speak to audiences in different continents. While the UK’s conversation around mental health and wellbeing matures, we must not make the mistake of thinking we have all the answers. We don’t! For example, I might be able to talk about stress and depression more openly these days in the UK, but for some countries this is culturally tricky or even outright risky for careers. Legal support that we have is often lacking. But we do have a role to play: to go first. To show it can be done. For my multi-national business clients, I advise that they need to understand the lived experience for different parts of the world – asking ‘what are the barriers in Manilla vs Manchester or Munich,’ and support local conversations and action. In this way, the activity is real, meaningful and home-grown. Mental Health is a subject for everyone – we all have it for a start – and the world is a tough place right now. So, in coming together we might find beautiful, inclusive solutions.’
Vicki Harris, founder of From Suffolk With Love:
‘It’s World Mental Health Day today and it’s something we all struggle with from time to time. If you are struggling right now make sure you talk to someone you trust and tell them how you’re feeling. Or head to the Mental Health Foundation website to get some advice.
Do you have a coping tool for when it all gets too much? For me, I get outside and try and be as far away from people as possible, solitude helps me get my thoughts together. How lucky I feel to live in beautiful Suffolk where that is possible? And when that doesn’t work there’s always water ripples, instant calm.’
Pete Boczko, CEO at Norfolk and Waveney Mind:
‘With up to 84% of people experiencing poor mental health at some point in their lifetime, the need for good quality mental health support, advice and information is greater than ever before. Everybody has mental health, and it is essential that people know where they can access support should they need it. Key awareness days such as World Mental Health Day encourage conversations around mental health and provide us with an opportunity to remind people, we are here to support them; our work really can change lives and potentially save lives. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, then it is important to seek support. For further information and list of all of our services, including our new REST Community Hubs, visit www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk or call 03003305488. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 option 2.’
Michelle Gant, Director of The Engaging People Company:
‘So often we treat ourselves as an afterthought, our wellbeing taking a back seat when our lives are so filled with busyness. But it is vital that we put ourselves and our mental health first, that we notice and recognise what we need, and fulfil those needs. If we don’t make it a priority, we simply won’t be able to do all the things that we want to do. Because, as the saying goes, we can’t pour from an empty cup. And, when we are taking care of our own wellbeing, we can have an impact and influence on those around us: I want my daughter to see me taking time to rest, looking after myself, and know that it’s ok for her to do so. Our wellbeing isn’t a nice to have. It’s what powers everything else in our lives.’
Kerry Dolan, founder of Womb Service:
‘Today is World Mental Health Day and I am taking time to thank my 20-year-old self for taking charge of her mental health all those years ago. In my 20s, I was hospitalised with a spectacular break down. It was terrifying and I lost a lot of faith in myself. But it gave me the opportunity to rebuild myself. I learned early just how important it was to take care of my mental health, how easily you can be derailed but that, with support, it is possible to build yourself back stronger. These lessons have been so valuable to me over the years. I never take my mental health for granted and I’m so grateful to that younger me for taking those first brave steps that led me here, where I am not only taking care of my own well-being but supporting others on their own journeys.’
Louise Hopes, new swim host at Mental Health Swims Sizewell:
‘Mental Health Swims is an award-winning mental health peer support community. We host free and inclusive swim meetups nationwide and I am pleased to be starting a monthly meet up at Sizewell. I have experienced bouts of depression and anxiety for many years and the discovery of wild swimming and cold-water therapy has been an absolute game changer for me. Our mental health and wellbeing should be a priority and I hope these meetups will become a sanctuary for people seeking peer support.’
Gemma Hyde is the Marketing Manager of Castle Quarter Norwich:
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‘World Mental Health Day is thinking about how we look after our mental health and those around us. With so much stigma around mental health, many people won’t seek the help they need – imagine not going to the doctor for a broken bone! So, today is about breaking down those barriers and reminding ourselves just how important it is to look after our mental well-being. We have partnered with Norfolk and Waveney Mind on the ‘Your Mindful Moment’ campaign. We have installed a bench in Castle Quarter that provides an opportunity for you to take a few minutes out of your day to strengthen your focus and help calm your mind.’
Sam Grainger is a critical care nurse and a clinical hypnotherapist at Free the Mind:
‘Today is World Mental Health Day and if feels like now more than ever we should be making this a priority in our life’s. It can feel difficult at times with the economic crises we are facing. There are things you can do to protect your mental health without it affecting your bank balance
- Regular exercise
- A walk in the fresh air each day
- A healthy diet
- Good sleep habits
- Practising mindfulness
- Connecting with friends
Treat your mental health as a positive habit like cleaning your teeth and spend time on it every day. Also give time to others you now are struggling with their mental health.’
Sue Lambert Trust, the leading charity in Norfolk to offer free therapeutic counselling and support services to survivors of sexual violence and abuse, has teamed up with REST Norwich to launch a new pilot programme of group support sessions for clients:
‘World Mental Health Day shines a global spotlight on mental health. Opening up conversations highlighting how important our mental health is. RestNorwich and NorfolkMind are there to support anyone that wants to talk and get help.’
David Robertson is MD of Jader Ltd, and mental health awareness advocate:
‘World Mental Health Day. To some this might not mean a lot. To me it means a lot. I am active in the community. I operate a games session each Monday in Kirby Cane Memorial Hall at 10.30am for two hours. We come together to enjoy activities which solve the problems of an existential nature. Like what is everyone doing when we cannot see them doing what they are doing. It is not snooping on each other, we are bonding, socialising, and, for those that do not know, finding out. I am active in Waveney LEAF (Access Community Trust’s Lived Experience Advisory Forum). We walk and talk and go into the forest to lean in amongst our friends, the trees. It is my belief that the “answer” to the mental health riddle, shall come from lived experience. It is not experimentation.’
Polly Brockis is Centre Manager of The Bircham Centre in Reepham:
‘On Monday mornings we will open Room 7 as a community warm spot. We need to put the heating on to warm the building so come share our heat. From 9am-1pm going forward the room will be open to all. We will provide hot drinks, hopefully cake and people to chat to. We are aware life is difficult for many at the moment and getting through the weekend can be tough. If your pockets are empty the refreshments are free, a gift to you from us. If you would have been going to a cafe (if open) and wish to donate for your drinks, then that money will pay forward for more provisions. On World Mental Health Day it seems ever more important that we come together and support one another. Should you like to get involved with this initiative please email thebirchamcentre@gmail.com.’
Three suicide-bereaved dads, Tim, Mike and Andy of @3dadswalking, completed their 600-mile walk to Westminster today (Monday October 10), World Mental Health Day. They were walking in memory of their daughters Emily, Beth and Sophie, and are campaigning to make suicide prevention a compulsory part of the school curriculum. If you would like to sign the petition, visit Petitions (parliament.uk).
Featured image of Richard Stewart, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Instructor
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