In a world where mental health is increasingly recognised as a crucial component of overall well-being, Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) stands as a beacon of advocacy, education, and support. It's a time for individuals and organisations to come together, shed light on the importance of mental health, and take meaningful action towards creating a more supportive and inclusive society.
Delving into the essence of Mental Health Awareness Week, exploring its significance, purpose, and how businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering a mentally healthy workplace culture. In 2024, the theme is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.
Join us as we unravel the layers of this essential event and discover how Includability can empower your organisation during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, promoting understanding, and challenging stigma. It's a time for individuals, communities, and organisations to come together and advocate for better mental health support and resources.
Each year, MHAW is marked by a specific theme, set by the Mental Health Foundation, focusing attention on different aspects of mental well-being and highlighting areas for action and improvement. This year, the theme is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.
Research from Mental Health UK shows that 56% of people found that exercising regularly helped them to alleviate stress and prevent burnout in their lives.
Why is talking about Mental Health so important?
Mental Health Awareness Week serves as both a celebration and a sombre occasion. It's an opportunity to celebrate progress, resilience, and the resilience of individuals who have overcome mental health challenges. It's a chance to celebrate the strength and courage of those who have spoken out, sought help, and supported others on their journey to recovery.
MHAW also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those living with mental health conditions. It's a time to acknowledge the pain, stigma, and discrimination that still exist in our society, and to renew our commitment to creating more supportive and understanding environments for all.
When is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week typically takes place in May, in 2024, Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13 to 19 May.
Dates vary from year to year, but each year there is a week-long event that brings together individuals and organisations from around the world to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for better mental health support and resources.
What is the MHAW 2024 theme?
The theme for 2024’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”
Movement is important for our mental health. But so many of us struggle to move enough. MHAW aims to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines.
Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, and it can help prevent physical illnesses. Sadly, people living with mental illness die on average 20 years younger than the general population, often from avoidable physical illness. This group is more likely to develop preventable conditions like diabetes, heart disease, bowel cancer and breast cancer.
Michael Lloyd, Founder of the Workplace Mental Health Charter UK and esteemed Includability Verification Partner for mental health strategy within business, said:
“Incorporating movement when discussing mental health can be beneficial in various ways. Physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Encouraging individuals to engage in regular exercise or activities such as yoga, dancing, or walking can help improve mood, increase energy levels, and promote overall mental health.
“Movement can also serve as a form of self-expression and a way to release pent-up emotions. It is important to find activities that resonate with everyone’s preferences and abilities to create a sustainable and enjoyable routine.”
Why is talking about Mental Health so important?
Talking about mental health is essential because it helps to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and encourage individuals to seek help when needed. Opening up conversations about mental health is more important than ever, as over 2 million people are waiting for NHS mental health services, and since 2017 the number of young people struggling with their mental health has nearly doubled.
Create a more supportive and inclusive environment where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking support can ease the pressure on our strained services.
How can businesses foster a mentally healthy workplace culture?
Businesses play a crucial role in promoting mental health and wellbeing among their employees. By implementing policies, programmes, and resources that support mental health, businesses can create a positive and supportive workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Michael Lloyd added his 5 top tips to promote mental well-being in the workplace.
“Businesses can foster a mentally healthy workplace culture by implementing various strategies and initiatives.
“1. Encouraging open communication: Create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns and seeking help when needed.
“2. Providing mental health resources: Offering access to mental health resources such as counselling services, mental health awareness training, and mental health first aid training for employees, which the Workplace Mental Health Charter UK can provide.
“3. Promoting work-life balance: Encouraging employees to take breaks, set boundaries between work and personal life, and prioritise self-care activities.
“4. Recognising and addressing stressors: Identifying and addressing workplace stressors that may contribute to poor mental health, such as excessive workload, lack of autonomy, or poor communication.
“5. Offering flexibility: Providing flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to accommodate employees' individual needs and preferences.
“By prioritising mental health and well-being in the workplace, businesses can create a supportive and inclusive culture that benefits both employees and the organisation.”
How Includability can help your organisation during Mental Health Awareness week?
During Mental Health Awareness Week, Includability can provide your organisation with valuable resources, training, and support to promote mental health and well-being in the workplace, thanks to our brilliant network of Committed Employers, Official Partners and Ambassadors.
Includability offers a range of services to help your organisation create a mentally healthy workplace culture. Including membership to, and 2 free placements with, the Workplace Mental Health Charter UK as part of our Includability Committed Employer package. The Workplace Mental Health Charter UK
offers MHFA certified mental health first aid training, suicide awareness training, and Mental Health Champion courses for management.
Includability also works with the incredible organisations:
Ripple; Suicide Prevention Charity – An online tool to intercept harmful content relating to self-harm and/or suicide through innovative technology to redirect users to mental health support if they are struggling to cope or in need of immediate help.
Beyond - A youth mental health charity that exists to improve young people’s mental health in the UK.
Includability is here to support your organisation every step of the way, empowering you to create a workplace where mental health is prioritised, supported, and valued. Contact us today to learn more and start your journey towards a mentally healthy workplace.
How can I get involved for MHAW?
Organise a Wear It Green Day in your school, workplace or community and help to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health.
By going green, you can support vital research and delivering programmes for different communities. They have all the resources you'll need to run your event, whether you’re holding a quiz at work, baking some treats for your family or holding a scavenger hunt at your school.
Wear It Green Day on Thursday 16 May during Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May) – and let’s turn the world green for good mental health! If you can’t take part on this day, don’t worry, you can hold your Wear It Green Day at any time of the year.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/do-your-own-fundraising/wear-it-green-day
If you need immediate MH support, contact Mind for support for those experiencing poor mental health.
https://www.mind.org.uk/
Contact us today to find out how Includability can support your business dave@includability.co.uk
