Education and awareness really matter, but real change needs action. On the last of our Five Days of Mental Wealth we focus on SIX different ways that you can take action, for yourself, for your organisation and for others.
1. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
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We all have mental health in the same way we all have physical health. Both vary over time and need looking after. Many of us need support at some point in our life or will find ourselves in the company of someone who does.
If you are struggling or in crisis, please seek help - you do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone and there are people who can help you right now.
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Call 999 if your life is in danger
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Call the Samaritans on 116 123 from any UK phone
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Text Shout anytime on 85258 for free, confidential support
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Visit StayAlive or click on the links here for websites and support including text services and helplines for different communities such as those under 35, LGBT+ and older people
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If your situation is not urgent, see NHS Choices for more information on support available to you through the NHS and other charities and groups
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For local support options visit hubofhope.co.uk and put in your postcode. This will show you a wealth of support available - you can filter by subject to help find tailored support
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The Action for Happiness website offers lots of information, an app and resources including a brilliant monthly calendar. Download the calendar each month for daily inspiration and very do-able ideas. You might also want to share it with family members, friends and colleagues. It can be a great conversation starter or a give you a positive reason to keep in touch.
2. SUPPORT YOUR COLLEAGUES
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Encourage your organisation to sign The Good Work Pledge and commit to working towards six mental health core standards. The Good Work Pledge is about taking a holistic approach that works for your organisation and team. The standards are backed by government and CIMSPA. It’s supports your people, your organisation and the customers we serve.
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If you're looking for peer support MH1 Facebook Group might be for you or a colleague to talk online with like-minded industry professionals. This is a private group with over 800 members. Find out more and ask to join here.
3. EDUCATE YOURSELF
If you would like to explore more around mental health and wellbeing, here are some great resources that we’ve found useful, many of which are free.
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Mind - the mental health charity
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The Mental Health Foundation’s longitudinal study is researching the effects of the pandemic with regular briefings published
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MHFA England website for workplace, line manager and school resources
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Mental Health at Work website packed full of advice, tools and resources
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Visit MH1 for tools and information including the latest on a mental health questionnaire for the sector to sit alongside the PAR Q
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This Book Will Change Your Mind About Mental Health: A journey into the heartland of psychiatry - a book by Nathan Filer. Hard-hitting and useful in terms of understanding the current context
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Nuffield Health's research 'More Than Words' on mental health and language
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Losing Our Minds - What Mental Health Is and What It isn’t - by psychologist Lucy Foulkes. A book so good, we’ve read it twice, Lucy is practical and nuanced in her writing, a book well worth your time
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Get a qualification in first aid for mental health. Ask us about the training we offer for individuals and teams
4. FUNDRAISE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHARITIES
Fundraising is a great way to support charities that are doing vital work in mental health, and there are many fantastic charities that need your help. Set yourself a challenge or perhaps involve your colleagues, and customers in joining you to raise money.
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Here are a list of mental health charities that you could support. Perhaps nominate one as your organisation’s charity of the year or highlight one charity per month to create awareness and promote understanding.
5. CAMPAIGN
Lending your support and energy to campaigns that matter to you is a great way to support change. Find out about Mind’s Campaigning work and how to join in.
6. SUBSCRIBE
Thank you for being part of our Five Days of Mental Wealth. Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date and help us to keep supporting the sector and everyone who works in it.
