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This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week takes place 13th-19th May with the aim of promoting greater understanding of mental health conditions, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and signposting support for those who need it
The theme for 2024 is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’. Physical activity can enhance our mental wellbeing, yet many people find it difficult to include enough in their daily lives. This Mental Health Awareness Week encourages individuals to find ways to incorporate movement into their daily routines in an effort to improve their mental health.
To recognise Mental Health Awareness Week, many organisations across the WiHTL & DiR Collaboration Community and beyond will be promoting wellbeing resources, tools and activities available to colleagues, including:
Education and training through workshops, toolkits and e-learning modules that raise awareness of mental health conditions and symptoms, coping strategies, and how to support others, Some organisations are providing specialist training for leaders and line managers on how to recognise and address mental health concerns within their team.
Guest speakers and panel talks with mental health professionals, senior leaders and colleagues who share their lived experiences and provide valuable insights on mental health topics.
Wellness activities such as guided meditation sessions, resilience workshops and yoga classes. In line with this year’s theme, some organisations are also encouraging colleagues to take time out of their day for movement through activity challenges such as walking a specific distance or number of steps per day.
Internal wellbeing support to encourage colleagues to seek help when needed. Examples include Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), Mental Health First Aiders, and wellbeing policies.
Harnessing Employee Networks that connect colleagues who share similar experiences and/or backgrounds to create a safe space to discuss challenges and provide emotional support.
Using Feedback platforms such as surveys and focus groups to gather insight into colleague experiences of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. This allows the organisation to identify how they can improve their policies and processes to better support those affected.
For more information on how organisations can support colleagues with their mental health and wellbeing, check out the resources which are available to our Collaboration Community via our members platform the HUB and include:
Our 5 ways to make mental health and well-being a priority in your organisation.
Our recommendations on the impact of workplace inclusion on the mental health of employees across hospitality, travel and leisure sectors.
Webinar recording on Combatting Anxiety at Work with Clive Bolton, People & Organisation Manager at QVC, Alison Shomade, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Advisor at Shaw Trust, and Karen Ferris, Head of Engagement at C&C Group.
If you’re struggling with your mental health or you are supporting someone who is, don’t hesitate in reaching out for support. The following resources provide free, 24 hour confidential listening and text support:
Samaritans
When life is tough, Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:
call free on 116 123
Shout 85258
Shout 85258 offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance:
text "SHOUT" to 85258
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