A host of events are taking place across the city over the next few days, with people invited to find out about the support available locally for those who are experiencing anxiety – the theme for this year's campaign – or who have any other concerns about their mental health and wellbeing.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Most of us worry about things at some point, whether it is dealing with increasing costs of living or preparing for an exam, but sometimes our worries can become overwhelming.
"Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems people can face. Indeed, a recent survey by the Mental Health Foundation found a quarter of adults have felt so anxious that it has stopped them from doing the things they want to do. More than half of all adults feel this way, at least some of the time, so it is very common.
"Thankfully, anxiety can be managed and, this Mental Health Awareness Week, we are all being encouraged to take the first steps towards better mental health."
The programme of activities includes:
- Board games and coffee morning, Central Library, Tuesday 16 May, 10.30am to noon.
- Wellbeing drop-in with coffee, chat and mindfulness activities including Zentangle, Finchfield Library, Tuesday 16 May, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm.
- Wellbeing Wednesday with Starfish Health and Wellbeing, Tettenhall Library, Wednesday 17 May, 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
- Wellbeing walk, get moving and discover some hidden gems on a one hour tour of Wolverhampton city centre, Thursday 18 May, 10am. Places are limited; please email jennifer.lees@wolverhampton.gov.uk to take part.
- Feelgood Friday, board games or quiet reflective time, Penn Library, Friday 19 May, 10am to 11.30am.
Local organisations that can support with mental health and wellbeing will also be at the Health Hub in the Mander Centre, opposite Ryman, throughout the week.
There are several things people can do to help with anxiety:
- Connect with others; talk with them about how you feel. People around you may have similar worries – perhaps you can support each other?
- Take notice of what’s happening around you in your local community and in the wider world, which may help put things into perspective.
- Enjoy nature – the blossom on the trees, the sounds of the birds singing – while you are out and about.
- Learn ways to deal with your thoughts; write down your worries and identify possible solutions to deal with them, learning breathing techniques to help you when you are feeling anxious.
- Get active; what’s good for your body is good for your mind – when you move more you not only give your body a boost but you give your mood a lift too.
For further information please visit the NHS page about anxiety, fear and panic.
For help and support, contact the Rethink Black Country 24/7 Urgent Mental Health helpline, which offers support to anyone in the Black Country with mental health concerns, by calling 0800 008 6516 or texting 07860 025281.
NHS Wolverhampton Talking Therapies, the new name for Wolverhampton Healthy Minds, offers free, confidential support for people suffering from anxiety or depression – call 0800 923 0222.
The Sanctuary Cafe, Temple Street, Wolverhampton, is a safe space where adults can seek emotional and mental health support Monday to Friday from 6pm to 11pm and weekends from noon to 11pm. Text 07800 002 222, WhatsApp 07983 394 077 or email sanctuary@base25.org.
