18 May 2024
Founder and CEO of mental health awareness charity It’s OK To Say, Stacey Turner shines the light on a week important to the whole community.
Mental Health Awareness Week for me is all about raising awareness of the year-round struggles people face with reminders of the help and support available.
This year’s theme is movement and while it serves as an important reminder to aim for movement and to try and build movement into our daily routines, let’s not allow this theme to intimidate those who can’t move or have restricted movement for various reasons.
For me, from an inclusive perspective, through this them, it is important to acknowledge how anxiety and depression (to name just two) can cause physical and mental exhaustion and if people need the time to rest through difficult times, that’s OK too.
This week plays a role in inspiring people to reach out, knocking out the stigma still attached to mental health and bringing mental health to the forefront. If you or your organisation would like to know how It’s OK To Say can help, please email.
I have had so much fun this week catching up with three amazing local women who make a profound impact within our community. I asked them what Mental Health Awareness Week means to them.
Karen Snook, founder of the hugely popular St Albans Mums Facebook group and Instagram page.
“Mental Health Awareness Week is super important to me because it shines the light on something that affects us all in one way or another. As a mum, content creator, and someone involved in the community, it’s a reminder to prioritise mental well-being for myself, my family, and my followers.
“It’s about breaking stigma, spreading understanding, and supporting each other through tough times. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to share resources and start important conversations.”
Helen Whittington, owner of DJ’s Play Jungle and volunteer.
“DJ’s Play Jungle supports Mental Health Awareness Week. As a local business we are understanding to Mental Health issues, for both staff and customers and supporters of charity, It’s OK To Say.
“Our team at DJ’s are from diverse backgrounds and we, as an employer have undertaken Mental Health First Aid. It really helps the workplace to be a safe space for people and we often make adjustments for anyone finding themselves affected by anxiety or depression. Our play centres are central to to the community and welcome parents, childminders, grandparents on their own or in groups.
“It’s a facility for children that often provides a break for mums, dads and carers while the children make new connections and they can relax. There is always a friendly staff member to talk to and it’s an environment that encourages interaction and fun that might just make someone’s day! Ohana is a support group for young care-experienced parents that is free to attend at DJ’s Play Jungle, plus an exclusive SEN session every first Sunday of the month in St Albans.
“Anyone having difficulty accessing our facility can get in touch and we will always endeavour to help.”
Helen also said: “We support the lunchtime event running this Friday May 17 as well as a future event on Friday June 14 by St Albans Community Pantry. ”
Lesley Garner, general manager at Everyone Active.
“Everyone Active whole-heartedly supports Mental Health Awareness Week and in doing so provides additional programming and reaches out to different sectors of the community to join us at
the centre, use our facilities and feel better for it. Monday 13th May we offered a relaxation session, with meditation, which was so successful we are considering adding it to our programme.
“We also hosted an open day in support of those from the sheltered housing charity Hightown, this was geared towards highlighting the link between physical activity and positive mental outcomes.
“Studies have shown that regular physical activity can make a big difference in our mental well-being. It’s like a superhero for our self-esteem, as it boosts it up. And that’s not all – exercise can also help reduce anxiety and depression. Plus, it can even help slow down degenerative cognitive
conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
“So, how much exercise is enough? Well, for adults, the goal is to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, five times a week.
“And guess what? You don’t have to do the same thing every time. Whether you’re swimming, running, walking, playing tennis, cycling, doing some badminton, or hitting the gym, it all counts!
“At Westminster Lodge we are always looking for ways to support and make a difference, and being the hub of the community helps to be the place to go for support. Only today I have been approached by Man Made – a unique fortnightly support group dedicated to men’s mental health and wellbeing, who I am hoping we can work together with and provide a safe space for those that might need it.
“Westminster Lodge wants to help in making a difference, we have a fantastic building, a team of brilliant colleagues and a safe space for anyone that needs support.”
I hope we have demonstrated the importance of looking after one’s mental health and well-being, talking is the most underrated form of therapy and we encourage people to consider their mental health on a daily basis and put in place what is needed in order to thrive and not just get through rather than wait until things escalate. Often people discover what their essential needs are by talking it through.
It’s OK To Say is a mental health care and wellbeing charity offering a comprehensive range of mental health and well-being support for all ages. As ever, please reach out and find out more about us.
www.itsoktosay.org.uk
Email: support@itsoktosay.org.uk
