Mental Health Awareness Week

It is Mental Health Awareness Week and never has there been a more profound time in recent history to talk about mental health. 1 in 5 persons will experience a mental health problem in their life, and it is important that we break the stigma on talking about it. Even if you think you are alone, you are never alone and there is always someone to reach out to. Sharing a problem is the first step to recovery. We understand that this is a difficult time for everybody, so here are a few links to help you out if you are struggling.

Kooth – online anonymous counselling for young people – www.kooth.com
Smiling Minds – meditation app to bring mindfulness into your life – https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
Our Time – organisation helping young people dealing with parental mental illness – https://ourtime.org.uk/
Young Minds – organisation helping young people dealing with mental health issues – https://youngminds.org.uk/

With the easing of lockdown and the sunny weather, our outreach workers have been more busy than ever. We met a few young people that said they have enjoyed the online activities as it gives them ideas on how to occupy themselves at home. As well as that, our members enjoyed a virtual youth club session last week and even played a game of Connect-4 and snooker! Last week activities included:

Monday – Baking chocolate cookies
Tuesday – Fitness challenge
Wednesday – Practising gratitude
Thursday – Create a collage
Friday – Dance challenge