This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 and at asphaleia we are joining the campaign to raise awareness of mental health problems.
MIND states that approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week. As we know Mental health issues can affect any one of us. These issues are becoming especially prevalent among the young people we work with. It is important now more than ever that we stand together to support those that are suffering and help to lift the stigma that prevents many from reaching out for support.
The Mental health foundation states ‘Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. We believe that mental health is everyone’s business. So, for one week each May, we campaign around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week. Since our first Mental Health Awareness Week in 2001, we’ve raised awareness of topics like body image, stress and relationships. Hundreds of schools, businesses and communities have started conversations around mental health that can change and even save lives. The campaign reaches millions of people every year. This year, with your support, we want to reach more people than ever.
This year’s theme is ‘Kindness’ One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times. We have learnt that amid the fear, there is also community, support and hope.’
The theme of kindness is so important during these difficult times. Many of the young people we support are facing a lot of hardships at the moment, isolated from friends and family, struggling to make ends meet and this can take a toll on mental health and wellbeing. Likewise, all of our lovely staff who are working so hard to support those in our care are having to adapt to a strange and often challenging way of working and we know this has not been easy.
So, let's celebrate Kindness during Mental Health Awareness week! And show each other how much we care. We would love to see our asphaleia community join with us in this campaign as asphaleia stands together with Mental Health Awareness week 2020.
how to get involved
1. During the week, we would like you to carry out or reflect on an act of kindness. Are you doing shopping for friends? Creating a quiz for your family? Calling your grandma who’s on her own? Drawing a rainbow to thank the NHS? Take a photo or video (with permission!) and use the hashtags #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealth AwarenessWeek
2. Using this Speech bubble template (or design your own!) share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would support our mental health. Take a photo of you holding them and share to social media using the same hashtags above and tag us in! @asphaleiainsta on Instagram, @asphaleia on Facebook
3. Join our movement challenge during May. We are asking you to be active for 30 minutes a day. You can download your free pack with an activity calendar here.
4. Donate by fundraising or support the Mental Health Foundation with a donation online at mentalhealth.org.uk/donate
We are looking forward to seeing all the ways you can get involved. Stay tuned for our monthly post from our mental health worker. Subscribe to receive our blog posts straight in your inbox and a monthly newsletter.