Your mental health matters

12 to 18 May 2025 marks Mental Health Awareness in the UK.

This is a timely reminder for us to all think about caring for our emotional wellbeing just as we do our physical health. 

Mental health affects how we feel, think and cope with life's ups and downs.

Looking after it doesn't need to be expensive or complicated - small daily habits can make a big difference to how you feel.

So, here are a few simple ways you can support your mental wellbeing:

• Move your body - gentle exercise, like walking helps to release positive hormones and reduce feelings of stress. Try going out for a regular stroll either during your lunch hour or after work.
• Connect with others - spend time to talk and laugh with people who lift you up. Strong emotional connections release oxytocin which is vital to our emotional resilience and physical health. With a spotlight on this week why not take time out to connect with a colleague over a coffee?
• Take a breather - slow breathing with long exhales is a great way to rebalance your nervous system and calm a busy mind. So, take time and pause during the working day to focus on your breath for 3 minutes.
• Get out in nature - natural light and plant molecules released in the fresh air reduce our stress levels and do wonders of our mood and energy levels. As the nights are now lighter why not take time out to walk around a local park after work - sharing the journey with a friend is even better!  
• Learn something new - learning new skills can boost confidence and give you a sense of achievement. This doesn't need to be in a formal classroom setting or be about getting a qualification. It could be anything from picking up a book, doing a crossword or researching something. 
• Give to others - Research shows that carrying out acts of kindness can increase your feeling of personal wellbeing and happiness. Helping and working with others can also give us a sense of purpose and feelings of self-worth.    

Find out more with our free staff sessions:

Social Media & Mental Health, Friday 16 May, 12 - 12.45pm, MS Teams: Sign up

Delivered in partnership with SAMH, this lunchtime session will help participants understand the fundamentals of mental health and the pervasive influence of social media in our lives. Explore the potential problems associated with excessive social media use and strategies to safeguard our wellbeing in the digital age. Discover how to find balance and look after your wellbeing.

E-learning on GOLD: Introduction to Mental Health: Access here

This GOLD module explores what mental health is, the causes, common and complex mental health conditions and the vulnerable groups who are more likely to experience mental ill health.
 
E-learning: Supporting Mental Health at Work - See Me in Work e-learning portal: Access here

Delivered by our workplace partners, See Me, this free mental health workplace programme for managers and staff, explores how mental health stigma and discrimination impacts people in work. It also looks at employee rights and good workplace practice at every stage of working life - from recruitment, when in work, and when returning to work following a period of ill-health.