A blog for students on the FDLT and BALT courses at the University of Northampton

at Leicester and UON

Mental Health Awareness week

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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK.

MHA week image 18th to 24th Mat 2020 to share date and themeThis year the theme is kindness. 

There is a free supporter pack available to download here.

From the website:

Why kindness?

One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times.  

We have learnt that amid the fear, there is also community, support and hope. 

The added benefit of helping others is that it is good for our own mental health and wellbeing. It can help reduce stress and improve your emotional wellbeing. 

Beyond ourselves, our report reveals how inequality is rising in our society and its harmful effects on our health.  

Life expectancy is falling for the poorest for the first time in 100 years. As child poverty rises, children and young people in the poorest parts of our country are two to three times more likely to experience poor mental health than those in the richest.  

After the 2008 credit crunch it was the most vulnerable in our communities who experienced the severest consequences of austerity, with devastating effects on their mental and physical health. This not the hallmark of a kind society.  

We must not make the same mistakes after this pandemic.   

Kindness could transform our schools, places of work, communities and families. Let’s shape a society that tips the balance in favour of good mental health, for all of us, but especially for those who are most vulnerable.   

Find out more information on why we have chosen Kindness as the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Join us 18-24 May 2020 to tell us why kindness matters to you. 

How can I get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week?  

Join in online

We want to get the nation talking about kindness and mental health. By joining us online, you can even reach people from around the world. 

Download our graphics for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share with your friends and family. 

Get your social media graphics

During the week, we would like you to carry out or reflect on an act of kindness. Take a photo or video (with permission!) and use the hashtags:#KindnessMatters #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

You can also share your ideas on how you think we could build a kinder society that would support our mental health using the same hashtags above. 

 

Author: Jean

Senior Lecturer, Education at the University of Northampton. Admissions Tutor for the Foundation Degree Learning and Teaching.

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