Monday 9 May 2022: 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 22nd year and runs from 9-15 May. This year, the theme for the week is ‘Loneliness’. Across the country, people will be reflecting on loneliness and how it impacts our mental health. Long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
To help combat loneliness, SMART SKILLS is holding a virtual Tea & Talk on Thursday 12th May at 11am for businesses and people in Devon. Talking about anything and building relationships is good for your mental health. Pop along and say hi, have a natter and connect with others! We’ll be talking about anything and everything. Plus, our Partnership and Engagement Manager, Sean Gibson, will be taking on the role of quiz host to bring you a fun filled quiz! Grab a cuppa and come and join us, register for our Tea & Talk here: SMART SKILLS – Virtual Tea & Talk for Mental Health Awareness Week Tickets, Thu 12 May 2022 at 11:00 | Eventbrite
Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: “We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic. Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time. We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems.
“Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together – as individuals, as a society and through government policy – to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.”
Some of the ways SMART SKILLS is supporting the mental health and wellbeing of employees in Devon with free training; funded by the European Social Fund:
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #IveBeenThere and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek