World Mental Health Day (on Saturday 10 October) provides a timely reminder that our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health– and Knowsley Council wants to ensure residents know how to access the range of support available.
This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is “Lived experienced heard: real voices, real change”, encouraging people to listen to and engage with those who have lived experience of mental health challenges and to recognise their experiences as a vital form of expertise.
Knowsley Council is supporting World Mental Health Day by ensuring people know that help and support is available and how to access it.
The Kind to Your Mind website is your ‘one stop shop’ for a wide array of services and resources, including self-help apps, online courses, and expert advice and information
Kind to Your Mind allows you to build a personalised support plan by answering questions and receiving recommend support services tailored directly to your specific mental health needs.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling with your mental health there’s support available 24/7:
Mental health crisis support
Available 24/7. If you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. The help line is available for people of all ages including children and young people
Samaritans
A safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you. Call 116 123 (free). Visit www.samaritans.org/
Simple Ways to look after your Mental Health
There are lots of things you can do every day to improve your wellbeing – you could make a start with these top tips.
Connect with others
Spending quality time with friends or family, talking to someone about how you are feeling or finding ways to help other people can help improve your own mental health and wellbeing. This can be online, by phone or seeing someone in person.
Look after your physical health
Being active, enjoying the outdoors and eating healthy food can all help improve your mood. Also, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can have a positive effect on your mood.
Do something for yourself
From enjoying your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax, it’s important to do things that make you happy.
Get good sleep
Getting good quality sleep helps your body repair cells, boosts your immune system, and supports clear thinking and good mood, so it’s important to get the right amount of sleep and to sleep well.
Cllr Bannon, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Health, said “World Mental Health Day provides a timely reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise our mental health.
“There are lots of simple things you can do to look after your mental health every day including connecting with others, staying active, spending time outdoors and getting a good night’s sleep.
“There’s also online support and advice and support lines available 24/7 – please don’t struggle and access the range of support that is available to you.”
For further trusted information, helpful resources and access to local support services visit www.healthyknowsley.co.uk