No: 152/2024

8 May 2024

Our Ref: P1/24

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Mental Health Awareness Week ‎(MHAW) 2024‎ from 13 to 19 May on the theme of “Movement: Moving More For Our Mental Health”

In just over a week the Mental Health Foundation will kick off the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), running 13-19 May. This year the campaign is leading with the theme of “Movement” and “Moving More For Mental Health.” It will seek to highlight the impact stress and mental ill-health has on us all, and the connection between good health – both mental and physical.  Movement is important for our mental health. But so many of us struggle to move enough. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week, the MHF want to help people to find ‘moments for movement’ in their daily routines. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing, doing a simple basic exercise routine for example chair exercises when watching television – it all counts!

1. It’s Mental Health Awareness Week

Next week, led by the UK’s Mental Health Foundation, 13 to 19 May, is Mental; Health Awareness Week 2024. Members can join in and help to create a world with good mental health for all. We’re again supporting the Mental Health Foundation this Mental Health Awareness Week – 13 to 19 May. Branches, Reps and Members can join in and help to create a world with good mental health for all. This year’s theme is “Movement: Moving More For Our Mental Health.” Get involved by finding and sharing ‘moments for movement’ this Mental Health Awareness Week. See attached two posters and six infographics that Reps can utilise.

2. Moving More For Your Mental Health

The aim of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is to get everyone moving more for their mental health. Everyone can get the mental health benefits of moving more, it’s all about finding what works for you.

3. Tips For Moving More For Your Mental Health

Get moving for your mental health by finding ‘moments for movement’ every day, like when you’re waiting for the kettle to boil! So, move more for your mental health by finding ‘moments for movement’ every day. When life’s busy, it can be tricky finding time for wellbeing-boosting activities. But finding moments for movement might be easier than you think. Why not use the time you spend waiting to move more? These moments will add up! See attached Tips from the Mental Health Foundation MHF.

4. Stats

Moving our bodies is important for our mental health. Yet research by MHF shows that more than a third of UK adults find it challenging to find the time for movement. Find out what’s stopping us from moving more in the MHF research.

5. Equal Access To Movement

Being able to boost our mental health through movement shouldn’t be a luxury. Yet new research from the MHF shows that too many people are facing barriers to moving for their mental health due to financial strain and inequality. Find out more: in the MHF research.

6. ‘MIND’ – “No Mind Left Behind” Campaign

Every year, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem. But too many of us aren’t getting the help we need. Over 2 million people are waiting for NHS mental health services, and since 2017 the number of young people struggling with their mental health has nearly doubled. People tell mental health charity ’MIND’ that they feel overwhelmed and hopeless. They need support right now. With your help we can help build a better future, where mental health is handled right. ‘MIND’ is appealing to everyone to “Join the fight for mental health”. On their own, they can’t reach everyone. That’s why ‘MIND’ is calling on all political parties in this election year to commit to making sure that everyone can access support when they need it. The ‘No Mind Left Behind’ poster is attached. Further information is on the ‘MIND’ Website at: https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-week/#info

7. “Losing My Mind” By Sally Ogden

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Sally Ogden TV Documentary Producer/Director is hosting an important FREE event ‘Covering complex topics within the film & TV industry’ next Wednesday 15th May 6pm. Screening her short film – “Losing My Mind.” As well as speaking to Jess Cudlipp.  See attached flyer.

8. Get Involved

MHFA want Mental Health First Aiders, in particular, to support the campaign and to make the most of Mental Health Awareness Week. The CWU Health Safety and Environment Department is joining with MHFA and therefore encouraging Reps to get involved with the campaign by sharing this resource with others in the Union as well as friends, family and colleagues.

Yours sincerely

Dave JoyceNational Health, Safety & Environment Officer