This World Mental Health Day (10 October), everyone is encouraged to take time to talk, listen and support family and friends.
The theme for this year is 'Lived experiences heard, real voices, real change', highlighting the importance of listening to people and ensuring their voices are heard and supported.
Partners across Warwickshire are coming together to remind residents that help is available and that nobody should feel they have to face mental health challenges alone. From community groups and voluntary organisations to NHS services, a range of support is available for people experiencing mental health conditions or emotional wellbeing concerns.
Councillor Anne Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "World Mental Health Day is an important reminder that mental health matters every day of the year. By listening to people's experiences and talking openly about mental health, we can help build stronger, more supportive communities. Warwickshire County Council (WCC) encourages everyone to take a moment to check in with themselves and others, and to remember that support is available. For information on support, visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mental-health-wellbeing "
This year's theme reminds us that listening to people's experiences and creating safe spaces for conversations can help tackle stigma and encourage more people to seek support when they need it. By taking the time to listen, talk openly and support one another, we can help ensure lived experiences lead to greater understanding and positive change.
Talking openly about mental health conditions / issues can be difficult, but reaching out to someone can often be an important first step. Residents who are considering opening up about how they are feeling are encouraged to:
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Choose someone they trust to talk to
This could be a friend, family member or colleague. Others may feel more comfortable speaking with someone they do not know, such as through a support helpline. Taking time to consider the benefits of talking to someone can help make that first conversation feels less daunting.
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Think about the best place to talk
Choosing a place where you feel comfortable and able to open up can make a difference. Some people prefer a private setting where they are less likely to be disturbed, while others may find it easier to talk while doing an activity together, such as going for a walk.
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Be open to having an honest conversation
While many people respond with understanding and support, some may need time to process what they have been told. This does not mean they do not care. Giving them time to understand, sharing information that may help them learn more about mental health issues, and practising self-care afterwards can all be helpful steps.
As part of the World Mental Health Day campaign, people are also being asked to consider trying one or more of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing to boost their mental health and help them cope with the ups and downs of life. If they find new things that work for them, they are encouraged to incorporate them into their daily or weekly routines so they can experience long-term benefits.
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are:
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Connect - spend time with family, friends, neighbours or colleagues, or make new connections.
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Get active - whether it is a short walk or a workout, moving more can boost mood and reduce stress.
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Take notice - pay attention to the world around you and how you feel. This can help you manage stress and appreciate positive moments.
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Keep learning - from cooking a new recipe to picking up a hobby, learning can increase confidence and create a sense of achievement.
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Give - simple acts of kindness or volunteering can strengthen connections and improve wellbeing.
Take a moment to watch this short video and discover how others support their mental health. It may inspire you to take positive action for yourself or someone else. Click here to view the video.
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Coventry City Council, said: “We are proud to support the theme ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’ for this year’s World Mental Health Day. It’s a powerful reminder that when we listen to people’s experiences and work alongside our communities, we unlock the power of community to create understanding, reduce stigma and build hope. Strong, connected communities are one of our greatest assets in supporting mental wellbeing. By ensuring every voice is heard and valued, we can create lasting change and make Coventry a city where everyone feels supported, included and able to thrive.”
Dr Richard Onyon, Chief Medical Officer at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: "This year's World Mental Health Day theme, Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change, reminds us how important it is to listen, talk openly about mental health, and ensure that people know where they can turn for support. Mental health can have a significant impact on our lives, our relationships and our wellbeing. Having conversations about mental health is one of the most important things we can do to support ourselves and those around us.”
“At Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, we are committed to ensuring that everyone can access the right support at the right time. Whether someone is looking for help with their wellbeing, wants to access talking therapies, or needs urgent mental health support, there are a range of services available across Coventry and Warwickshire.” Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or text CWHOPE to 85258 for a confidential text conversation with a trained mental health professional. Both services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. People can also self-refer to Coventry and Warwickshire Talking Therapies, access free courses through the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy, or find targeted support through the Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing website.”
“If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please remember that you are not alone. Help is available, and we are here to support people in our communities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives."
As part of local activity to mark World Mental Health Day, Wellbeing for Warwickshire recently hosted an outreach event outside Shire Hall in Warwick. The event brought together partners from across the county to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing support available to residents.
The Wellbeing for Warwickshire team, including Keyring, Qwell and CWW Mind, were on hand to speak with residents and visitors. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the wellbeing bus, meet representatives from local organisations and find out more about the services available in Warwickshire.
The outreach event encouraged people to start conversations about mental health, highlighted the importance of seeking support early, and showcased the range of help available through Wellbeing for Warwickshire. Visitors were able to learn practical ways to support their wellbeing and discover where to turn for advice and support when needed.
Whilst being proactive about boosting your mental health and wellbeing is important, you may still need to seek advice and support if you are experiencing mental health issues. If you do, help is available.
Information, advice and further support is available through Wellbeing for Warwickshire www.wellbeingforwarwickshire.org.uk/ and Wellbeing for Coventry www.cwwmind.org.uk/wfc/, which provide local resources to help people improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing.
For information about a range of local mental health and wellbeing services, including face-to-face, telephone, online and self-help resources available in Coventry and Warwickshire, please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth / www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/our-services / www.coventry.gov.uk/mentalhealth
For more information about World Mental Health Day and access to free resources, visit the Mental Health Foundation's campaign webpage: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/world-mental-health-day