Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.
The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 20th year and runs from 18-24 May.
This year, the theme for the week is kindness. Across the country, people will be celebrating kindness in a range of digital and creative ways within social distancing restrictions. In Delyn, Rob wants to remind people to be kind to each other. He will be regularly posting messages of kindness on social media and he will be launching his Unsung Heroes campaign later in the week. A campaign aimed at recognising members of our community, individuals and businesses, who go above and beyond to make Delyn a better place.
Rob commented:
“In these challenging days, everything seems to be enhanced, magnified and amplified. This is especially true in respect of our emotions and feelings. This lockdown has been a monumental strain on the mental health of so many individuals all over the country. Many of us don’t realise just how social we are until that ability to be social is taken away.
“Mental Health Awareness Week is an important time in the calendar and as someone who has suffered with mental health issues in the past I think it’s of massive importance to continue to shine a light on this area which still carries so much stigma and shame for so many people.
“Be kind. Reach out to someone. Accept it and be welcoming when someone reaches out to you. Look after each other. It’s so important, now more than ever.”
Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“This year may be the most important week we have ever hosted, as cope with and begin think about recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. We must do all we can to reduce the psychological and social impacts of the pandemic which are likely to last far longer than its physical effects.
“At time when we must socially isolate, stories of kindness have helped spread a shared sense of connection and joy. The research backs this up - kindness is deeply connected to mental health. The message this Mental Health Awareness Week is that kindness matters. It matters to our mental health and it will matter hugely in the society we build from here – one that better protects our mental health.”
Here's how you can get involved online:
- Reflect on an act of kindness. Share your stories and pictures (with permission) of kindness during the week using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
- Use Mental Health Foundation resources in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands in practising acts of kindness to others and to yourself during the week.