Mental Health Awareness week is from May 13th to 19th and a Sheffield charity say they want to start conversations and break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Sara Sanderson is the Information Coordinator for Sheffield Flourish, a charity that works with people struggling with their mental health.
Ms Sanderson spoke about the importance of the week: “It’s really about trying to break the stigma and the taboo of talking about our mental health. We all have mental health and then it varies in terms of whether it be classed as poor or not.”
Flourish Sheffield run a variety of groups for people struggling with their mental health, which include activities such as art, writing, music, a gardening group and both men and women’s football teams.
The charity also have a digital guide which signposts people to services, activities and resources to help them if they need it. They are all free or low cost, to make them accessible to all.
Ms Sanderson said: “It gives a focus on having those conversations. Having those conversations with yourself first and foremost, and you know asking yourself, am I okay?”
But it is also important to check in on people you know. “It may be the catalyst for somebody actually asking for help. Or making that phone call to the GP.” says Ms Sanderson.
The theme for this year is Movement: moving more for your mental health.
The theme was chosen by the Mental Health Foundation because regular exercise has been proven to help mental health. But the foundation says that over a third of adults in the UK do not exercise the recommended amount.
Ms Sanderson says: “It ties in our physical health with our mental health. I think that its a really good thing to highlight that the two go hand in hand.
“I think a lot of times, particularly for people who are working in an office environment, sat at a desk, you just forget to move.”
She spoke about how she was going to get her team to start moving this week.
“I’m definitely going to be encouraging the team to have dance breaks in the office this week. And we are based quite near the canal, so today I plan on having a little stroll down the canal.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, you can access the Flourish digital guide here.