Mental health matters: Here’s how you can get advice and support
‘Where’s Your Head At?' is our campaign to drive parity between mental and physical health
We all know that times are tough right now and, from time to time, we could all do with someone to talk to. Sometimes it is difficult to talk to colleagues, friends or family about what is on our mind. Below are some useful links if you or others need help and/or advice.
It could really make a difference if you reach out too. Whether it's a friend you haven't seen for a while - maybe it's a family member you know would love to hear your voice, an old colleague or a neighbour who lives alone. Just one conversation could mean the world.
How can I find help if I need it or if someone I know needs help?
CALM – helpline for men (Every day 5pm to midnight), thecalmzone.net, 0800 58 58 58 or online chat.
Samaritans (available 24/7), samaritans.org, phone 116 123 or online chat.
MIND (Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm), mind.org.uk, phone 0300 123 3393.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hours), nationaldahelpline.org.uk, phone 0808 2000 247.
Childline (24 hours), childline.org.uk, phone 0800 11 11 or online chat.
Switchboard LGBQ+ - switchboard.lgbt, helpline 0300 330 0630.
Cruse Bereavement Helpline (Mon & Fri 9.30am to 5pm / Tues, Wed, Thurs 9.30am to 8pm), cruse.org.uk, 0808 808 1677.
NHS - Find your little big thing for your mental health.
Some articles you might find useful
If you are struggling yourself or are worried about a friend then we have provided a list of places you can turn to for advice or help, including in your local area.
For help in your local area, please go to our map and click ‘get help in your area’ or direct to hubofhope.co.uk.
What is 'Where’s Your Head At?'
Our ‘Where’s Your Head At?’ campaign is continuing to raise awareness of its call for a mentally healthier working world.
‘Where’s Your Head At?' is our campaign to drive parity between mental and physical health at work and college. We know these places look different right now so more than ever we are here as your mouth-piece and supporter, sharing our stories and signposting ways to get help.
Support us and sign our petition to make it compulsory to have a mental health first aider at work.
Or click here for more: wheresyourheadat.org
Some good books and articles that we recommend:
Matt Haig - Reasons To Stay Alive
Natasha Devon – A Beginner's Guide to Being Mental: An A-Z
Johann Hari - Lost Connections
Alistair Campbell - Living Better
Samara Linton & Rianna Walcott - The Colour of Madness
Mental Health Awareness Week 2023
This Mental Health Awareness Week took place 15th-21st May and focused on anxiety. As the Mental Health Foundation strived to increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety: "At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change - making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole."
It is normal to feel anxious, worried or fearful in different situations in life, with Mental Health UK highlighting that: 'If continuous feelings of anxiety impact your ability to carry out life as normal, you could have an anxiety disorder.'
Everyone’s experience of anxiety disorders is different, and according to Mental Health UK, a little over 1 in 10 of us in the UK (over 8 million people) will be living with an anxiety disorder at any one time.
We’re supporting CALM and taking action to make sure no one has to struggle with anxiety alone. There’s loads of ways to get involved, and together we can make sure anyone who’s struggling gets the help they need.
What difference is 'Where's Your Head At?' looking to make?
We want to make it easy for people to talk about their mental health and ask for help if they need it. Everyone has mental health and we need to know how to look after it, in the same way we do physical health.
How can I get involved in 'Where's Your Head At?'
Help Where's Your Head At? and Hub of Hope make a difference and commit to doing something kind by adding a pledge to our interactive map. Being kind has other benefits too – not only does it make others feel better, it gives our brains feel good endorphins (sometimes called ‘helpers high’) so there’s no excuse not to #pledgekindness!
Make your pledge of kindness here
There are also other ways you can get involved like asking your employer to sign our workplace manifesto.
Or signing our petition to make Mental Health first aid compulsory.
Small acts of kindness that can make a big difference
Say "Hello"
Whether it's to family or your partner as you get home or to people you're speaking to at work (or even online working). Don't just go from task to task. Take the time to greet people.
Say "Please" and "Thank you"
It might sound obvious but when we're busy it's an easy one to forget. We all know how annoying it is when somebody doesn't do this to us, yet it's one of the things we might let slip so easily.
Take the time to listen
We've all done it, we have something to say back and we just can't wait to jump in and have our turn, so much so we end up tuning out of what's just been said. Take the time to listen that bit harder to people who are talking to you.
Turn off lights, water and plugs
This will save resources not just for the planet but for your pocket too!
Take the time to recycle
You can do the bit to help save money and save the planet by taking the time to wash out that jar or plastic container that you've used and send it to somewhere better than the rubbish tip.
Aim to message at least one of your friends every day and ask them how they are.
If you've not spoken to someone for a while, ask if you can give them a call or arrange to see them. Think about all that's happened in your life lately and try and catch up with a friend to find out about their life too.
Take time to reconnect with the older generation
Even if you don't live nearby your older relatives try giving them a video call, phone call, or letter. Of course we're sure they'd love a visit too.
Donate unwanted items or to charity
Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness and those who have additional needs. Visit the Cash for Kids website.
If you have items that you know are too good to throw away but that you'll never use, then consider donating them as your old stuff can become someone's new stuff!
We all have a Mental Health
Help us make a difference and commit to doing something kind by adding a pledge to our interactive map. Being kind has other benefits too – not only does it make others feel better, it gives our brains feel good endorphins (sometimes called 'helpers high') so there's no excuse not to #pledgekindness! Pledge your act of kindness here.
Give a gift with no expectation of something in return.
Whether it's your BFF, family, partner or just a friend you want to make feel special, spend some pennies or hand-make a gift for someone you love. Who says presents have to be just for special occasions?