Mental Health Awareness Week

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we'd like to promote the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, and highlight the support available to all staff.

#youareimportant

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year

https://www.mind.org.uk/

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https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

You can click the above logos at any point to take you to the relevant website.

Over the next few slides, you will find information on physical wellbeing, which has a huge effect on mental health, along with advice on the support available, both internally and externally to the company.

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The mind and the body are naturally linked. While a person focuses on their physical health, he or she will eventually experience a greater mental and emotional vibe. Physical activity can have a huge impact on mental and emotional health, relieve stress, enhance your memory and help lead an improved life. Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense such as pounding weights in a gym or jogging long distances. Even short activities like taking an evening walk, dancing to your favourite music, playing activity-based games, meditate and yoga would really help a person go a long way in their mental improvement journey.

7 physical activities that can improve your mental health (Click the images for info)

Physical exercise has many health benefits. When you exercise and run, endorphins and serotonin are released in your body -- chemicals in your brain that improve your mood. Running regularly at a moderate or vigorous level can improve your mental health. Running also improves your memory and ability to learn. Running outside has other benefits, like lessening feelings of loneliness and isolation. Running can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also improve your sleep habits. Benefits of Running Running regularly can provide consistent boosts to your overall feelings of happiness. Running can be a method of making your body and mind feel better. Running has the following effects on your mental health: Reduces stress. After your run, endocannabinoids are released in your body, which is a biochemical substance similar to cannabis. This naturally produced chemical in your body floods your bloodstream and moves into the brain. This provides short-term feelings of reduced stress and calm. Boosts your mood. Running reduces anxiety and depression. When you run, blood circulation to the brain is increased and the part of your brain that responds to stress and improves your mood is affected. This causes a change that temporarily improves your reaction to stressful situations. Helps you recover from mental health issues. Some studies show that regular running can have the same effects as medication in relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. Running is encouraged during therapy and recovery to alleviate some symptoms of mental illness. Improves sleep. Running has been shown to help you set a normal sleep schedule. Chemicals released during and after running relax your body and encourage deep sleeping. Having a regular sleep schedule is good for your brain and improves your mental health. Running for just 50 minutes each week at a moderate pace can lower your risk of heart disease. It’s healthier for your mind and body to run a little each week. ‌‌ Running Tips A lot of people struggle to set a running routine or don't feel motivated to run. The most important thing for your mental health is to get moving as much as you can.

Participating in team sports.1) Playing sports improves our mood.Any form of physical activity triggers the release of chemicals called endorphins, which make you feel happier and more relaxed as well. This explains why you feel so great after playing a pick-up game of basketball or throwing a football with your dad—it doesn’t have to be an intense session, it’s just about getting on your feet, increasing your heart rate, and having fun at the same time. 2) It gives us a boost of confidence.Sports are all about setting, working toward, and accomplishing goals, which can be extremely rewarding and empowering. These goals might be to win the game, to score a goal, to perform your best, or to simply have fun. Whatever the case, setting these team or individual goals can provide heightened feelings of self-worth and confidence. 3) It improves our concentration.Exercising regularly can bolster mental skills like critical thinking, learning, and concentration abilities. And on top of that, engaging in physical activity such as playing sports or cycling may help prevent development of certain cognitive and neurological disorders, like Alzheimer’s and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). So pick up a bat, a ball, or a glove and get out there! 4) Playing sports helps reduce stress and feelings of depression.Exercise reduces our level of stress hormones, whilst simultaneously stimulating the production of endorphins, as we discussed earlier. This is equivalent to the perfect equation for reducing stress and keeping the development of depression far, far away, as well as the perfect reason to revisit your favourite sport. 5) It improves our sleep quality.Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to fall asleep after a good workout or sports game? I sure have. I used to sleep like a baby when I played sports every day. That’s because daily physical activity makes you tired, helps you fall asleep faster, and deepens your sleep as well. As long as you don’t play sports too close to bedtime (which may keep you awake and energized) physical activity is certainly a good way to improve your sleep quality. 6) It provides means for socialization.Playing team sports provides the perfect opportunity for social interaction. It allows you to spend time and bond with old friends, as well as meet new ones! In addition, this increase in socialization can help reduce stress and also increase your mood, so don’t wait a second longer to tackle your favourite sport or try a new one, whether that be volleyball, football, hockey, gymnastics, or any others. You’ll reap the many health benefits and have fun doing it.

The Mental Health Benefits of Going to the GymWalking into a local gym can be intimidating. However, getting started is typically the most challenging part of any gym routine. For motivation, here are ten ways that going to the gym can help with mental health. 1. Exercise Can Dramatically Boost One’s MoodHitting the treadmill at the gym can help a person achieve a state of calmness and relaxation that has sometimes been called a “runner’s high.” That is because, according to experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine, running and other forms of physical exercise flood the brain with endocannabinoids. These naturally-produced chemicals can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause reduced anxiety and increased feelings of calm. 2. Exercise Can Help With DepressionFor people who suffer from major depression, going to the gym can help objectively improve their symptoms. Experts at Harvard Medical School note that exercise for depression may be just as effective as antidepressant medications in some instances. These experts cite studies showing that in depressed people, certain areas of the brain (such as the hippocampus) are smaller; however, they can get enlarged through regular physical activity. Even better, exercise can exert these positive benefits without the potential for negative side effects. 3. Exercise Can Help With AnxietyMuch like its positive impact on the symptoms of major depression, going to the gym can also help with symptoms of anxiety. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (AADA), exercise is sometimes used as a prescription for anxiety, with one intense exercise session serving to reduce anxiety symptoms for an hour. A more long-term effect has gotten observed in people who exercise regularly. 4. Exercise Can Improve SleepWhen a person gets regular physical activity, it can improve their sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, exercise can not only reduce the time that it takes a person to fall asleep, but it can also improve the quality of that sleep. This improvement in sleep can help with mental health conditions because chronic sleep deprivation and sleep loss are associated with higher mental health disorders. 5. Exercise Can Improve Bowel FunctionGetting regular physical exercise can help keep a person’s bowel habits more regular, which can, in turn, have a positive benefit on the individual’s mental health. Researchers have specifically studied the impact of a 12-week exercise program on people who get hospitalized for mental illness, finding that it can increase intestinal motility (the movement of the bowels). That is important because research shows that the prevalence of mental health conditions is much higher in people with constipation than in the general population. 6. Exercise Can Be a Motivator for ChangeWhen a person commits to a gym routine and succeeds in sticking to their predetermined schedule, they may begin to see positive impacts in their life outside of the gym, too. Exercise can be a significant motivator for change because it can provide a healthy foundation for daily self-management, self-commitment, and self-improvement. All of these positive benefits can translate to an improvement in a person’s mental health condition. 7. Going to the Gym Can Increase Social ConnectionsGoing to the gym can help people form positive social relationships. Some research has shown that physical activity can improve the way that people interact with one another, increasing the amount that people trust each other. Other research has shown that group exercise, in particular, can increase social bonding. When a person with a mental health condition feels that they are more rooted in their community, with more social connections, it can positively impact their mental health. 8. Going to the Gym Creates a RoutineLacing up a pair of sneakers, filling a water bottle, and getting to the gym by 7 a.m. might sound gruelling to some, but having a structured routine can help a great deal when it comes to managing a mental health condition. Structure makes an unpredictable world feel more manageable, particularly at the micro-level. That can be especially helpful when it comes to living with a mental health condition. Also, the familiarity of a gym routine can help a person with mental illness channel their depression and anxiety healthily, rather than turning to less healthy behaviours to cope, such as food, alcohol, or other substances. 9. Outdoor Gym Activities Can Improve Emotional StatesDoing squats or leg lifts in the gym parking lot, where a person can readily see nature, may supercharge the positive impacts of exercise on mental health. Researchers note that exercising in the presence of nature (otherwise known as “green exercise”) can enhance a person’s outlook, improve their mood, and even reduce feelings of suicidal thinking or hopelessness. 10. Exercise Can Help With Weight Loss, Which Improves MoodAccording to the CDC, when a person exercises, they are more likely to lose weight because they begin burning more calories. And, when people who are depressed lose weight, research has shown that they have an improvement in their mood and self-esteem. By going to the gym, people can positively benefit many aspects of their health, from mental disorders to their cardiovascular and metabolic profiles.

What are the physical benefits of dancing? Dance is a great way to keep fit because it requires lots of different skills. Depending on the type of dancing you choose it can:

• raise your heart rate
• strengthen your muscles
• improve your flexibility
• improve your balance
• improve your coordination

Dancing also requires you to use lots of different parts of your body - from your head to your toes – meaning it can be a full body workout. Gentler forms of dance can also be a great way to improve your fitness if you have limited mobility, or you don’t currently do much exercise. Dancing also has a range of mental health and wellbeing benefits. It can help you to engage with your emotions and connect with other people. Some research suggests that regular dancing can improve your quality of life and help you feel less stressed.

There are lots of good reasons why using your bike should be your physical activity of choice for improving your mental health. 1. It gets you out in the open While all exercise is good exercise, doing it nature gives you bonus points according to a study in Science Daily. The results showed that getting moving out in the open leaves you feeling revitalised, energised and optimistic in a way that bouncing around a gym can’t, while feelings of tension and anger were reduced too. 17% fewer people who stopped cycling consider their lives worthwhile, in comparison to those who continued. So, ditch the gym and get on your bike to soak up the scenery, sunshine and positive vibes. 2. Aerobic exercise reduces anxiety A study in Science Direct showed that aerobic exercise, of which running and cycling are great examples, can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety, potentially preventing anxiousness from developing into full-blown panic attacks or disorders. A recent study showed that 18% more of people who ride a bike every day consider their life happy, compared to people who tried and stopped cycling. Any type of aerobic exercise will do the trick, but a bike ride is low-impact (so great for those of us worried about bad knees) and gets you out into nature where you’ll soak up even more beneficial side-effects. 3. You can ride a bike socially When it comes to riding a bike, you have the choice between whether you want to go solo or make it a social activity. According to a large study, team sports are the best for improving mental health, with riding a bike coming a close second. Imagine the benefits of grabbing some friends, family or co-workers and going for a bike ride as a team sport. 4. It’s a proven stress-reliever Regularly riding a bike is proven to reduce stress in itself. 15% more of people who ride a bike every day are satisfied with their lives than people who haven’t biked since becoming an adult. But there are other ways it could help. For example, in the long-term regular cycling can work out cheaper than a gym membership, which could alleviate financial worries. Plus, a 30-minute bout of daily exercise can boost memory and creative thinking, which could help you feel more positive about work. 5. It’s easy to fit into your daily life Unlike dragging yourself to and from the gym, riding a bike can be woven into your daily routine without disrupting it. Those who swap their dreary commutes for cycling to and from work have a much lower risk of feeling stressed, and there is research to suggest that making regular exercise a part of your lifestyle - like working it into a hobby or daily routine - can better improve your overall mood and wellbeing.

Psychological Benefits of Yoga There are many kinds of yoga. The type most practiced in the U.S. is hatha yoga, which combines physical poses and mindful breathing. Yoga can improve balance, flexibility, range-of-motion, and strength. It can also enhance mental health, although these benefits are harder to measure. According to many studies, yoga can: Release helpful brain chemicals. Most exercise triggers the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain. These mood boosting chemicals include brain messengers such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Although yoga movements are slow and controlled, they still elevate your heart rate, make the muscles work hard, and stimulate the release of brain chemicals. As a result, yoga can make you happier. ‌‌Relieve depression. Studies show that yoga can ease depression. Researchers have found that yoga is comparable to other treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy. Yoga is usually inexpensive and doesn't cause the same side effects as many medicines. It can even benefit those with major depressive disorder. The use of yoga for depression needs more study because there aren't very many controlled trials. Reduce stress. When Americans answered a survey about why they practiced yoga, 86% of them said that it helped to deal with stress. The tightening and relaxing of muscles can reduce tension. You may also benefit from the peaceful atmosphere, calming music, and positive attitude that you will find in most yoga classes. Ease anxiety. Yoga can improve anxiety. The breath training included in yoga may be especially effective, as there is a relationship between anxiousness and breathing problems. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, yoga may not help. Still, some psychologists are using yoga to supplement other forms of therapy. Improve sleep. Research suggests that yoga can improve sleep. This may be especially true for older adults. In one study of yoga participants over the age of 60, participants reported an increase in both the quality and quantity of their sleep. They also increased their sleep efficiency, which measures the percentage of time in bed actually spent sleeping. Enhance social life. If you attend an in-person yoga class, you may benefit from interacting with others in your group. Social ties can positively affect both mental and physical health. Also, acting in unison with others, sometimes called synchrony, carries unique social benefits. Moving and breathing at the same time as others can give you a sense of belonging and promote bonding with the group. Promote other healthy habits. If you practice yoga, you may be more likely to choose more wholesome foods. Yoga may also be a gateway to other types of physical activity. Exposure to other health-minded people can inspire you to make other positive lifestyle changes. Besides these benefits, yoga may be beneficial for those trying to lose weight, stop smoking, and manage chronic disease. Of course, your results may vary. Your outcome can depend upon your attitude, the quality of your instruction, and the type of yoga being practiced. ‌

6 reasons why walking is great for your mental health and wellbeing: 1. It boosts your energy Walking improves blood flow throughout the body, particularly to the muscles and brain. This increased flow helps us feel more energised, similar to how our bodies feel after exercising. 2. It improves your overall mood Did you know that walking releases endorphins into our bodies on a regular basis? One of the benefits of walking on a daily basis is that it allows us to unwind. Even if it is only for 15 minutes, going for a daily walk is essential and has a significant impact on our mood throughout the day. 3. Walking reduced stress and anxiety Endorphins are known to not only boost our mood but also to lower our stress levels. Being physically active helps lower the risk of clinical depression, and spending more time in nature can also help to quiet the mind. 4. Walking improves your body confidence Walking is accessible to many, regardless of physical ability. This makes it a great activity for individuals who want to include more exercise into their daily routine without putting their bodies through too much strain. Walking, despite its simplicity, will provide many of the same advantages as more intense exercise over time. 5. Walking helps to improve your sleep routine Walking not only increases our energy levels, but it also increases our level of rest! Regular exercise can help us achieve deeper sleep and improve our sleep patterns. Walking is especially beneficial for people who have difficulty sleeping at night. 6. Walking brings more social opportunities Being sociable is an important aspect of everyone’s well-being, and many people try to combine physical activity with social activities. Walking is an excellent option for those who want to get out and appreciate their environment with friends and family.

7 mind techniques that can improve your mental health (Click the images for info)

Benefits of meditationMeditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health. You can also use it to relax and cope with stress by refocusing your attention on something calming. Meditation can help you learn to stay centred and keep inner peace. And these benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day. And meditation may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions. When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress. The emotional and physical benefits of meditation can include: Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations Building skills to manage your stress Increasing self-awareness Focusing on the present Reducing negative emotions Increasing imagination and creativity Increasing patience and tolerance Lowering resting heart rate Lowering resting blood pressure Improving sleep quality

The benefits of learning and self-development.

• Provides a goal and a purpose – having something to work towards – and the accomplishments it results in – can give you a great sense of achievement.
• Boosts self-confidence and self-esteem – whether it’s a skill at work or in your personal life, knowing you can do something new is a great boost to your self-confidence.
• Helps you connect with others – learning can open you up to new people, friendships and, for that reason, can help combat loneliness. It may even help you find your ‘tribe’, those people who you really connect with and who you feel understand you and share your interest.
• Sets you up for new possibilities, or a different future – developing new skills can broaden your horizons, or help discover an interest that you could see yourself building a career out of. It can help you if you’re in a rut by providing the inspiration you need to try a new direction.
• Provides a distraction – if you’ve been through, or are going through, a tough time and you need something to distract your mind, learning may bring the peace and break your mind needs.
• Gain new perspectives – learning a new topic can provide new insights into the world and life that you may not otherwise have had.
• It’s something that is just yours – this is especially relevant for parents whose lives very much revolve around their families, and who are looking for something that can be just theirs. By providing an outlet that is just yours, learning can help you develop or re-develop a sense of self.

What is mindfulness?Mindfulness involves paying attention to what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment. It's easy to stop noticing the world around us. It's also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living "in our heads" – caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour. An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means paying attention to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs. Another important part of mindfulness is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment. How to be more mindfulReminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you is the first step to mindfulness. Notice the everydayAs we go about our daily lives, we can notice the sensations of things, the food we eat, the air moving past the body as we walk. Keep it regularIt can be helpful to pick a regular time, such as a morning journey to work or a walk at lunchtime, during which you decide to be aware of the sensations created by the world around you. Try something newTrying new things, such as sitting in a different seat in meetings or going somewhere new for lunch, can also help you notice the world in a new way. Watch your thoughtsSome people find it very difficult to practise mindfulness. As soon as they stop what they're doing, lots of thoughts and worries crowd in. It might be useful to remember that mindfulness isn't about making these thoughts go away, but rather about seeing them as mental events that come and go. This can be very hard at first, but with gentle persistence it is possible. Some people find that it is easier to cope with an over-busy mind if they are doing gentle yoga or walking. Name thoughts and feelingsTo develop an awareness of thoughts and feelings, some people find it helpful to silently name them: "Here's the thought that I might fail that exam" or: "This is anxiety". Free yourself from the past and futureYou can practise mindfulness anywhere, but it can be especially helpful to take a mindful approach if you realise that, for several minutes, you have been trapped in reliving past problems or pre-living future worries.

Practicing random acts of kindness is not just about how we treat others, but also how we practice these behaviours on ourselves. We are sometimes so quick to be negative and hard on ourselves. If we change our mindset to being more positive, we can be kinder to ourselves. Act and choose kindness today: Don’t overthink it, kindness is a simple act. Check out these options as simple ways to allow someone to feel kindness.

• Put other’s needs before your own
• Leave an inspirational message for a friend or co-worker
• Send a card to someone
• Give someone a compliment
• Hold the door open for someone
• Practice gratitude
• Be kind to yourself
• Send someone flowers
• Volunteer in your local community
• Donate to a charity
• Run an errand for somebody
• Be kind to a stranger
• Help an elderly person
• Make someone laugh
• Leave an extra tip
• Donate food to the food pantry

Practicing random acts of kindness increases a person’s sense of happiness. Kindness is contagious and something we should all want to spread to others. What act of kindness will you perform today?

Positive self-affirmations are usually short, simple statements that you come up with on your own, based on your own needs and emotions. But self-affirmations have a more universal application too, and it’s okay to use more generalized, pre-written affirmations if you feel that they apply well to you. Here are some positive mental health affirmations to get you started:

1. I am a strong, capable person
2. I have done difficult things in the past, and I can do them again
3. I have experienced challenges in the past, and I am more resilient because of this
4. I am allowed to feel upset, angry, and sad sometimes—that’s part of being human
5. My personal boundaries are important and I’m allowed to express my needs to others
6. “No” is a complete sentence and I don’t have to explain or justify my boundaries
7. I am allowed to feel good and to experience pleasure in life
8. I am worthy of receiving good things and of accomplishing my goals in life
9. The past is the past, and my past doesn’t predict my future
10. I forgive myself for mistakes I made and I refuse to hold them against myself
11. I am allowed to take up space, to have desires, and to have a voice
12. I don’t have to give up my hopes and dreams
13. All this hard work I am putting into achieving my goals will pay off
14. I am capable of making healthy choices
15. I know my worth
16. I deserve to be loved and to love others
17. Growth is sometimes bumpy and isn’t always linear, but I will stay the course
18. Healing is within reach for me
19. I love my body, my mind, my dreams, and my goals
20. Negative thoughts do not serve me anymore
21. I will surround myself by people who love and support me unconditionally
22. I accept myself for who I am
23. With positive thoughts and self-confidence, I will be unstoppable
24. I am proud of myself and will continue to strive to do well
25. Today I will do my best

Social media and the media in general can have an impact on your mental wellbeing. See tips below on managing social media usage. 1. Limit when and where you use social mediaUsing social media can interrupt and interfere with in-person communications. You’ll connect better with people in your life if you have certain times each day when your social media notifications are off – or your phone is even in airplane mode. Commit to not checking social media during meals with family and friends, and when playing with children or talking with a partner. Make sure social media doesn’t interfere with work, distracting you from demanding projects and conversations with colleagues. In particular, don’t keep your phone or computer in the bedroom – it disrupts your sleep. 2. Have ‘detox’ periodsSchedule regular multi-day breaks from social media. Several studies have shown that even a five-day or weeklong break from Facebook can lead to lower stress and higher life satisfaction. You can also cut back without going cold turkey: Using Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat just 10 minutes a day for three weeks resulted in lower loneliness and depression. It may be difficult at first, but seek help from family and friends by publicly declaring you are on a break. And delete the apps for your favourite social media services. 3. Pay attention to what you do and how you feelExperiment with using your favourite online platforms at different times of day and for varying lengths of time, to see how you feel during and after each session. You may find that a few short spurts help you feel better than spending 45 minutes exhaustively scrolling through a site’s feed. And if you find that going down a Facebook rabbit hole at midnight routinely leaves you depleted and feeling bad about yourself, eliminate Facebook after 10 p.m. Also note that people who use social media passively, just browsing and consuming others’ posts, feel worse than people who participate actively, posting their own material and engaging with others online. Whenever possible, focus your online interactions on people you also know offline. 4. Approach social media mindfully; ask ‘why?’If you look at Twitter first thing in the morning, think about whether it’s to get informed about breaking news you’ll have to deal with – or if it’s a mindless habit that serves as an escape from facing the day ahead. Do you notice that you get a craving to look at Instagram whenever you’re confronted with a difficult task at work? Be brave and brutally honest with yourself. Each time you reach for your phone (or computer) to check social media, answer the hard question: Why am I doing this now? Decide whether that’s what you want your life to be about. 5. Stop social media from replacing real lifeUsing Facebook to keep abreast of your cousin’s life as a new mother is fine, as long as you don’t neglect to visit as months pass by. Tweeting with a colleague can be engaging and fun, but make sure those interactions don’t become a substitute for talking face to face. When used thoughtfully and deliberately, social media can be a useful addition to your social life, but only a flesh-and-blood person sitting across from you can fulfil the basic human need for connection and belonging.

Talking to friends, colleagues, or medical professionals, may be a hard first step to take, but is hugely important to your mental wellbeing. Below are some tips if you’re feeling nervous about opening up to someone regarding your mental health. Find a method of communication that feels right for you. This might be a face-to-face conversation, or you might find it easier to talk on the phone or write down how you feel in a letter. Find a suitable time and place. There may not be a 'good' time, but it can help if you're somewhere quiet and comfortable, and are unlikely to be disturbed for a while. Practice what you want to say. You could do this in your head or make some notes. Phrases such as "I've not been feeling like myself lately" or "I'm finding it hard to cope at the moment" might provide a starting point. Offer them relevant information and examples. If you've found a useful description in a book or online, or seen someone on television or in a film saying something that feels right to you, you could use this to help explain what you're experiencing. Be honest and open. It can sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing something so personal, but explaining how your feelings are affecting your life may help others to understand. Suggest things they could do to help. This might just be listening and offering emotional support – or there may be practical help you need. You're not alone. There is always someone to talk to.

(Click the images for more information)

AreaTeam

The Mental Health Foundation. "Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health. Our vision is for a world with good mental health for all. With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive. We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk. We are the home of Mental Health Awareness Week." You can find the Foundation website at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Please ensure that all staff are aware of the company's employee assistance programme. You all should have details printed and available in your staff area, both the poster shown and another poster explaining the supporting app. Let the area team know if you need these sending to you. The service is 24/7 confidential support on a whole range of subjects, completely free, and open to staff and their family members. The EAP website can be found at: https://healthassuredeap.co.uk/ Username: Bet Password: Fred Or by phone 24/7 on: 0800 028 0199

My healthy advantage app There is a fantastic phone app available to all staff that provides lifestyle tips, physical and mental wellbeing support, health and mood trackers, diet and recipe suggestions, exercise workouts, legal advice, among countless other topics. The app can be found on both Apple and Android stores, by searching "my healthy advantage", and is free to download. The code for staff to register is: mha001053

NHS mental health services and links. Talk to your GP firstYou'll need to talk to your GP to use some mental health services. This is known as a GP referral. Your GP can also talk to you about your mental health and help introduce you to the right mental health service for your needs. Find your local GP surgery Get help without talking to your GPThere are also some mental health services that you can use without talking to your GP first. This is known as self-referral. For example, you may be able to refer yourself for help with drug problems and alcohol problems. You can also use self-referral to access talking therapies. NHS talking therapies services Get help through your workIf your mental health problem is because of stress at work, your employer might be able to refer you to occupational health services. You can find out more from the Time to Change website. Advice on mental health at work from Time to Change How mental health referrals workWhen you talk to your GP about your mental health they'll listen, give you advice and introduce you to a mental health service they think will be most helpful to you. These services may come from your GP surgery, a large local health centre, a specialist mental health clinic or a hospital. Your GP can also refer you to a psychological therapy service or a specialist mental health service for further advice or treatment. The treatment may be provided on a one-to-one basis or in a group with others with similar problems. Therapy can also sometimes involve partners and families.

Details on The Samaritans Charity. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, we’re taking action to prevent the crisis. We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. We offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide. That’s why we work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority. You can find out more about The Samaritans at: https://www.samaritans.org/ or by calling: 116 123

About Shout 85258"Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. We launched publicly in May 2019 and we’ve had more than 1.7 million conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need in-the-moment support. You can contact Shout 24/7 by texting: 85258

The Area Team Never feel afraid or ashamed to open up to members of the area team. There is no stigma. There is no judgement. The area team can only help and assist if they know the struggles you are facing. They are there to support, so please reach out if you feel the need, and a chat or face-to-face meeting can be arranged.

See details below about the Mind charity. "Even though 1 in 4 people have mental health problems, most of us don’t get the help we need. This has to change. We’re Mind. We’re here to fight mental health. For support for respect, for you. We change minds across England and Wales by making mental health an everyday priority. By standing up to the injustices – in healthcare, in work, in law – which make life harder for those of us with mental health problems. We support minds – offering help whenever you might need it through our information, advice and local services. And we connect minds. Bringing together an unstoppable network of individuals and communities – people who care about mental health to make a difference. Join us in the fight for mental health. We won’t stop until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect." You can access the Mind website at: https://www.mind.org.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 3393

Motivation

#mentalhealthawarenessweek

#mentalhealthsupport

#endthestigmaofmentalhealth