World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. This year, the theme is 'prioritising mental health in the workplace'.
John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond it, why not check in with your friends, family, or colleagues?
"For many of us, work is a significant part of our lives. Having a fulfilling job can be good for our mental health and general wellbeing. However, a negative working environment can be a source of stress and anxiety and contribute to developing or worsening mental health issues
"A mentally healthy workplace can make a huge difference to how we feel. For World Mental Health Day, this week we’ll also be sharing resources about how we can be mentally healthy at work to support our own wellbeing and help others, along with where to find further support for mental health."
Wolverhampton Libraries' friendly Know Your Neighbourhood groups are inviting people to join them at special sessions this week including:
- Today (Monday 7 October), Paint a Plant Pot, Central Library, 4.30pm to 6.30pm
- Tomorrow (Tuesday 8 October), Nature Walk around West Park, meet at Whitmore Reans Library at 10.15am
- Thursday (10 October), Board Games, Wednesfield Library, 3pm to 4.45pm
- Friday (11 October), Coffee Morning, Tettenhall Library, 10am to 11.30am.
The sessions are part of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport funded Know your Neighbourhood scheme, aimed at boosting volunteering opportunities, tackling isolation and connecting people to their local communities. For more information, please email charlotte.woodcock2@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
World Homeless Day falls on the same date and will also be recognised in the city. A World Homeless Day stall will be in Queen Square from 10am on Thursday (10 October) supported by Wolverhampton BID, P3, Changing Lives, Wolverhampton Homes, Good Shepherd Ministry, The Haven, SUIT and others.
There will also be a World Homeless Day themed art session at Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Wednesday (9 October) from 10.30am.
People can also show their support for World Mental Health Day by inviting friends, family and colleagues to tea and talk. Last year there were over 7,000 events across the UK, with 260,000 people having conversations about mental health across their workplaces, schools, homes or the community. Find out more at Mental Health Foundation and share photos on social media using the hashtag #WMHD2024.
If you are having a difficult time or are worried about someone else, you are not alone - and there are lots of options for support:
- If you need urgent help with your mental health or you are struggling to cope, call NHS 111 and select option 2 (mental health option) to be connected to your local mental health support team, or text 07860 025 281
- Your doctor or GP is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health
- Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub offers out of hours support - book a face to face appointment for by calling freephone 0808 802 2288, texting 07860 065 168 or emailing wolverhamptonsanctuaryhub@rethink.org
- Wolverhampton NHS Talking Therapies offers psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems including anxiety, depression, stress and low mood
- Visit Hub of Hope to find local support that’s right for you.
If you need someone to talk to, contact:
- SANE - call 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm to 10.30pm)
- Samaritans – call 116 123
- Rethink Mental Illness – call 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
- Mind – call 0300 123 3393.
