An annual campaign to raise awareness of mental health problems and inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all is taking place this week.
Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. So, for one week each May, the Mental Health Foundation campaigns around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week.
Since the first Mental Health Awareness Week in 2001, MHF has raised awareness of topics like body image, stress and relationships – reaching millions of people.
The theme of the 20th Mental Health Awareness Week is kindness – very apt given the positive response to the Covid-19 pandemic the world over.
John Lawlor, Chief Executive of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, said: “In these challenging times, kindness has prevailed all over the world. We have learnt that while there is a lot of fear and uncertainty, there is also kindness, spirit and hope.
“It has been heartwarming to see our members of staff helping each other during this difficult time and going above and beyond to make patients and colleagues feel supported. We cannot thank our staff enough for their unfailing and unwavering kindness.”
To tie in with Mental Health Awareness Week, the Trust is putting together wellbeing packs for patients funded by kind donations from businesses and money donated from Captain (now Colonel) Tom Moore’s heroic fundraising efforts.
Hundreds of inpatients and community patients from across the Trust’s four localities will receive a pack including toiletries, snacks and activities to keep them entertained such as puzzle books. These wellbeing packs will hopefully serve as a pick-me-up and bring some comfort in these testing times.
Random acts of kindness help us to connect with others, and boost everyone’s mental wellbeing, so on the trust website is 9 acts of kindness that people can do during the COVID-19 pandemic
It’s important to be kind to yourself too. Lots of us struggle to treat ourselves kindly; in fact, we’re often nicer to others than we are to ourselves, but being kinder to yourself will make you feel happier and boost your self-esteem. The Trust has put together another list of ways to show yourself compassion and kindness.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to fewer people accessing NHS services for a range of conditions, including support with mental health problems, learning disabilities, autism and dementia.
Mr Lawlor added: “We know that many people are understandably worried about catching or spreading the virus. People are also worried about being a ‘burden’ on the NHS system. But the NHS is here to support your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as your physical health.
“You shouldn’t put off seeing a doctor about a physical health condition, and the same goes for your mental health: the earlier you seek help, the better.
“We are also working hard with our colleagues across the Integrated Care System to find new ways to support people who are struggling with their mental health as quickly as possible during this crisis. For example, at CNTW we are working alongside TEWV to divert mental health calls away from NHS 111 operators and provide advice to paramedics attending mental health-related calls.”
To round off the week, on Friday local singer Ellie Mae McHenry (daughter of Keith McHenry, Clinical Manager at St George’s Park, Morpeth) will be holding a virtual concert from her driveway ‘live on the drive’ to raise money for the SHINE Fund – click here to find out more about the concert and how to tune in
