Mental Health Awareness Week 10-16 May

1 in 4 adults and 1 in 10 young people experience a mental health problem (Mind, 2020).

Mental health can sometimes feel like a complex and intimidating subject. However, anyone can experience a mental ill health, so being able to talk about it's important to us all.

Mental health refers to the way we think, feel and act. Everybody has mental health, the same way everybody has physical health, and we need to look after it

Lots of things can impact mental wellbeing for young people and adults such as a challenging time at work or at school.

Five ways to promote good mental health

1. Connect …with people around you, your family, friends and neighbours. Put five minutes aside to find out how a member of your group really is. Spend time in meetings strengthening relationships between leaders and young people. 

2. Be active …by doing something your group can all enjoy together. You don’t have to be Olympic Athletes to be active. Go on a walk or hike, spend some time gardening, or do an activity such as cycling or having a kick about in your local park.

3. Take notice …by being more aware of your surroundings and what is happening right now, for example the changing seasons, or the local environment. Ask your members what was good about their day.

4. Keep learning …by trying something different. Complete a badge as a unit that stretches the group, find out about Scouts around the world, research an issue important to your members.

5. Give …to others, to feel good yourself. Start a community impact project or volunteer with a local charity.

How you can get involved in Mental Health Awareness week 

Take part in one of scouts.org.uk many activities below, or head to their activity finder

• Better mental health bingo
• Speak out for mental health
• Better mental health for all postcards
• Better mental health for all performance
• Become a mental health blogger or vlogger for the day
• Better mental health for all leaflets or posters
• Build a wellbeing box
• Take a shake break

NSPCC’s Childline

For 1-to-1 chat support and 24-hour helpline for young people.

Phone: 0800 1111
Website: childline.org.uk

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a free service any time 24/7. If you need someone to talk to, they listen.

Phone: 116 123
Website: samaritans.org

Mind

Mind Infoline is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Phone: 0300 123 3393
Website: mind.org.uk