Warwickshire County Council is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 16th to 22nd May.
The national theme this year is “relationships” and increasing awareness of the importance of relationships.
The campaign will emphasise the importance of connecting with other people – and the necessity of doing this to maintain health and wellbeing, with relationships and connections to others being as vital to wellbeing as factors such as eating healthily, exercising more and quitting smoking.
Across Warwickshire, Wellbeing Hubs are available to help people to enhance their wellbeing – the hubs also support those who are struggling to cope, to help improve their wellbeing and offer support during difficult times.
In addition to the hubs, the council says there are a range of mental health and wellbeing services that can be accessed in different ways, including face-to-face services, books, e-books and audio CDs, as well as a telephone helpline and an anonymous, online support website www.bigwhitewall.com.
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, Councillor Les Caborn, said:
“Feeling positive about relationships, feeling in control of your life and having a sense of purpose will all improve wellbeing.
“The Five Ways to Wellbeing in Warwickshire is a great way to find out more about how you can build wellbeing into your daily life.”
The council’s Chair of the Adults, Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Maggie O’Rourke, added:
“If people are struggling to cope or feeling low, don’t wait for things to get too much – there are a range of mental health and wellbeing services and support available across Warwickshire that can help you to improve your wellbeing and support you during difficult times.”
The Mental Health Foundation leads Mental Health Awareness Week and campaigns nationally.
The foundation is lobbying national governments, public bodies and employers to promote good relationships and to tackle the barriers to forming them – including mounting pressures on work-life balance and the impact of bullying and unhealthy relationships.
The Mental Health Foundation is asking people “to go the extra mile” in prioritising their relationships – and is calling on people to make a relationship resolution to assess how much time they actively commit to building and maintaining good relationships, as well as asking whether they can invest more in being present with and listening to friends, family and colleagues.
More information about Mental Health Awareness Week is available online at mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week.
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is the UK’s leading provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on their rights under the Mental Health Act, as well as access to NHS services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on issues such as treatment reviews, where appropriate.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our mental health lawyers are available at short notice for appointments at police stations and hospitals across the country.
For expert legal advice on UK mental health law, call Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors on 0333 772 0409.