May 2022: Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 May) Mental Health Awareness Week happens annually, and is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health. In support of Mental Health Awareness Week, we take a closer look at this year’s theme which is loneliness and helping others. Loneliness affects millions of people in the UK every year, and is a key driver of poor mental health. The Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Mental Health in the Pandemic’ research found that loneliness has been exacerbated by COVID. The Foundation tracked loneliness levels in the UK during the pandemic, and found it had a devastating impact on many people. Loneliness has been an important factor in contributing to higher levels of distress, resulting from people’s sense of isolation and reduced ability to connect with others. There is no one way to effectively deal with loneliness, but there are different things that can and do help.
What to do if you are feeling lonely Connect with others We all need to invest time in maintaining friendships. Reach out to your friends by picking up the phone or sending them a message via social media. You may feel that your friends are busy and will not have time, however you may be surprised when you take the first step to connect. Invest time in new connections Joining local groups or classes based on your interests is one of the best ways of making new connections. It could be anything from an exercise class, book club, or art class. Connect online Technology is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, and make new friends. There are often free courses offered in libraries and in community centres to help improve your digital skills. Volunteering Volunteering is an excellent way to get involved in your local community. Not only is it a great way to meet new people, but you can also develop your own skills and interests. Volunteering Matters provides lots of information about where you can volunteer. If you can offer time to help someone, it may be worth considering giving your time to help a local charity or group. As well as helping others making us feel good, it’s very rewarding to stand back and think ‘I did that’ or ‘I’ve listened to someone and it has improved their life’. Did you know? The company’s volunteer leave increased to two days paid days every year! Click here for further information in our Special Leave Policy. For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website. For any queries or suggestions, please contact handw@barrattplc.co.uk.
May 2022: Mental Health Awareness (9-15 May) Support and services Talking to someone about how you feel, and learning positive coping techniques can be a helpful way to cope with the negative emotions associated with loneliness. You can access talking therapies through your GP, community support organisations, or privately. Lots of helpful information and support is available from charities such as Age UK, Young Minds, Samaritans and also Mind have some other support services available.
Things you can do if you prefer to manage alone Plan your week to do something you enjoy Plan your week to include a hobby or activity that makes you feel good, such as doing something creative, reading, gardening, or listening to music. Spend time outdoors Going outside regularly, maybe in your garden or a walk to the park, is a great way to boost your mood. It can help you to feel more connected to your neighbourhood and the natural world. Focus on the good things in life When you are feeling lonely, you can sometimes get yourself into a negative frame of mind. Thinking about the good things in your life, or remembering happy times such as a holiday, can help you to think more positively. Look after yourself Prioritise self-care. Make sure you are eating healthily, being as active as you can be, and sleeping well.
Helping others who might be experiencing loneliness Check in on people you know who live alone or might not have many relatives, or close connections to check in on them. A message or a phone call could make a big difference to someone who hasn’t heard from anyone in a while.
Webinars Our health and wellbeing partner Vitality will also be running some webinars to support Mental Health Awareness Week, please see the details below of how to join these. Click here to listen to a message from Vitality ambassador Jessica Ennis-Hill.
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For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website. For any queries or suggestions, please contact handw@barrattplc.co.uk.