This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and it takes place between Monday 13th and Sunday 19th May. The theme is ‘Movement: moving for our mental health’, which is set by the Mental Health Foundation. Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression and is a great way to help reduce stress and help lift your mood. This could be anything from a morning walk, gym class or even dancing in the kitchen to your favourite song (which is our favourite thing to do!).
Wellbeing and the mental health of our swans is something that is very important to us and we ensure that we are supportive of them and that they know that there’s always someone for them to talk to in the nest.
James, Leanne, Andrew and Carrie are all trained mental health first aiders and are there for extra support for our swans, if anyone is struggling and needs someone to talk to. This is something that they undertook themselves because they want to learn how to help anyone who might be struggling.
When I asked Andrew why becoming qualified in mental health first aid was important to him, he replied: “The reasons are many, but I think the most prevalent ones are learning how and when to help someone who needs it, but perhaps more importantly trying to spot when people are struggling – my radar hasn’t always been good – so I can offer my help. I found the qualification eye-opening in so many ways and it helps shape my interactions with everyone. After all, you don’t know what anyone is coping with.”
Mental health problems are a common human experience.
Every year, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem. For those of us who struggle living with a mental health problem, it can feel daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to turn to for help. There are lots of organisations out there who can offer support to anyone struggling, such as Mind, which is an organisation that we are proud to have supported for many years.
When I asked Carrie why becoming qualified in mental health first aid was important to her, she replied: “As someone who has struggled with my own mental health, I understand how low it can make you feel sometimes. I wanted to do this qualification so that I can recognise the signs in other people and the best ways to help them, and also for people to know that there is always someone there you can talk to”.
On Thursday we will be holding a ‘Wear It Green Day’ to show our support for Mental Health Awareness week.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
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