Blog

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is movement. Whilst there are significant benefits to movement, both physically and mentally, there can be numerous barriers to overcome which relate to where we live, financial circumstances, other commitments, and accessibility to name a few. Below Tyler shares with us how important physical activity is in his life and the barriers he has had to overcome in order to continue doing what he loves.

For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (13 – 19 May 2024) we wanted to challenge the perception of exercise. Whilst there is no doubt that movement is beneficial for both body and mind, it doesn’t have to be in a traditional or stereotypical form. Dan Soar, known as the Tattooed Knitter, has set the world record for the most blankets arm knitted in 24 hours, in a challenge watched by 1.2 million people.

One in six children aged 5 to 16 were identified as having a mental health problem in 2021, a significant increase from one in nine in 2017. Never has the need to support young people’s mental health been greater, and we know that early preventative support using upstream approaches like building resilience can have a positive impact.

On Friday 19th April, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak made a speech on welfare announcing the need for reforms. Specifically honing in on the need to tackle unemployment and getting people back into work.

After finding a series of losses and grief was impacting her mental health, causing anxiety, low mood, and a reliance on alcohol, Cindy talks to us about how she found respite in podcasts to learn the importance of self-care and talking to others about how we’re feeling. 

We are proud to announce that Olympic athlete, Michelle Griffith-Robinson has joined our board of trustees at Mental Health UK.

Flexible working has been in place for over 20 years with various rights being extended granting further inclusivity. On 6th April, the biggest change is imminent, whereby the employees’ right to request flexible working no longer must be earned, it’s present from day one.

Jay, 47, was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder amongst other diagnosis including a Personality Disorder, in his thirties. For World Bipolar Day, he speaks to us about how his diagnosis allowed him to not only access medication to make daily life functional, but also meant he was emotionally able to accept his illness and build a positive life around it.

In the UK, nearly 5 million cisgender women aged 50 and over are in employment – it is the fastest-growing demographic group of workers. This age group is the most likely to be affected by menopausal symptoms, so employers need to ensure they are supporting this group of their workforce. Talking openly with your employer can be an important first step towards being better supported at work.