Mental health is everyone’s business

This blog was first published in May 2020 as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. We believe that mental health is everyone’s business. 

Throughout this unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 the physical, emotional and spiritual challenge to mind, body and soul has been immense. People have responded by volunteering their time to support and care for others - during this crisis, we have seen some of the best parts of humanity. The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector across the country has extended hands of kindness to support people in multiple ways.

Fittingly, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is kindness. The first Mental Health Awareness Week was held in 2001, and the Mental Health Foundation has helped to raise awareness of topics like body image, stress and relationships. The annual campaign reaches millions of people. This year, they want to reach more people than ever. More information is available on the Mental Health Foundation website.

We encourage you to take some time to be kind to yourself and support your own mental health.

It is also important to check in on your staff and volunteers - especially those providing frontline support who may be speaking to people who are struggling with their own mental health. There are resources on how to have difficult conversations and also how to look after personal wellbeing in the workplace.

We would also like to thank the organisations and volunteers in Salford who are providing vital mental health support to our communities.

Support is available from local and national services:

Salford services

• Beyond - a collaborative service to offer mental health support to people affected by COVID-19
• Mind in Salford for better mental health
• START Inspiring Minds
• Six Degrees Mental Health Support
• Social Adventures Trading for Change
• #SalfordStories wellbeing activities timetable

Greater Manchester services

• Greater Manchester Mental Health Specialist Mental Health Services
• GM Health Hub understanding your feelings
• SilverCloud - Making Space For Healthy Minds
• Just Psychology CIC Trusted Partners
• Psychotherapy Manchester Therapy and Counselling
• GM Health Hub - keeping GM healthy

National campaigns and services

• MHFA England - a range of resources to help with your mental health
• Public Health England - guidance for the public
• Time To Change Lets end Mental Health discrimination
• Every Mind Matters COVID-19 resources
• Resources for supporting staff and volunteers
• Useful mental health apps

Young people’s mental health support

• 42nd Street support for children and young people
• SHOUT - 24/7 crisis text messaging service - Text GMSalford to 85258
• Kooth - online counselling
• BlueIce - help to manage emotions and urges to self-harm
• ChatHealth - confidential help and advice
• #SalfordStories activities for children and young people