Reach out to someone who may be suffering from the effects of loneliness – that is the message during next week’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
National Mental Health Awareness Week is running from 9-15 May with this year’s focus being loneliness and the impact this can have on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Feeling lonely is something that anyone can experience at any point, but it is important to remember that these feelings can pass and there are lots of ways people can help each other to stay connected.
Reaching out to someone with as little as three words such as, put kettle on, free to chat, or fancy a walk can make a huge difference. Connecting with others will not only benefit them, but it could also benefit you and lift your mood too. Sometimes the smallest actions can make the biggest difference.
For people who are feeling lonely there are several ways to stay connected with others and get involved within the local community, such as accessing your local community hub activities, visiting your local leisure centre, becoming a volunteer, meeting with friends, and doing things you enjoy.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for Adults and Health said: “North Lincolnshire Council fully supports Mental Health Awareness Week, it is really important that people know they are not alone, and mental health and wellbeing is something that should be talked about openly.
“There are a variety of help and support services readily available, such as the IAPT service, that offers vital support to help improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“It is also key that people remember the small things they can do, that really make a difference to someone and how they are feeling. Giving someone a call, sending them a message, dropping by for a catch up and a coffee or go out for a walk are all ways to help others feel connected and less lonely.”
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week Public Health, North Lincolnshire MIND and community wellbeing officers and activators are coming together for an information and activity day in Scunthorpe.
They will be available for you to talk to, offer information and signposting to the relevant services and will be holding an arts and crafts activity in the afternoon to give others the opportunity to meet new people and connect.
On Friday 13 May they will be available at St John’s Market on the ground floor, near the main entrance, between 9.30am and 12 noon and can join them in the afternoon between 1pm and 3pm at The Foundry at unit eight to 10 for arts, crafts, and refreshments.
More information about mental health and wellbeing can be found on the North Lincolnshire Council five ways to wellbeing page and young people’s mental health page.
