Young people and health professionals from Bradford and Craven are sharing personal stories about looking after their wellbeing ahead of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
Filling your own cup is a series of videos and blogs about hobbies and activities that can improve your mental health, such as cooking and writing.
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between 12 and 18 May and this year’s theme highlights how power of community can play a vital role in protecting and supporting your mental health.
Whether its friends checking in on each other, neighbours offering a helping hand, or local organisations creating safe and welcoming spaces, community is a powerful force for good.
The videos and blogs will be published on the district’s go-to website for mental health, Healthy Minds (www.healthyminds.services). The website has a directory of mental health support services, information and advice about mental health as well as options of local wellbeing services and community activities, from walking groups and creative crafts to peer support and urgent help.
One video features Healthy Minds apprentices (group of young people who educate children and young people to look after their mental health and wellbeing) Lois and Afsha, two young people talking openly about their mental health and how creative activities like journalling and cooking help them feel calm and connected.
“Journalling helps me slow down – and cooking makes me feel grounded,” said Lois. “It’s about making space for yourself, even in a busy world.”
Bradford GP, Dr Junaid Azam said: “Community plays a key role in supporting mental health. As clinicians, we know that people are more likely to manage their wellbeing effectively when they feel connected and supported by people around them.
“With the Healthy Minds website, you can choose what type of service you want to access to help you support with your mental health. There is a directory of services, and you have the option of filtering out the kind of support you’re looking for to meet your needs, or the needs of someone you care about.”
Naomi Holdsworth, Operations Service Manager NHS Bradford Talking Therapies said: “Being part of a community can make life more enjoyable, it makes us happier and safer and helps improve our mental health and wellbeing. It helps with our social connection and reduces isolation.
“People who are experiencing common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, NHS Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies will be able to support through talking therapy. You will be able to access group courses, as well as other options like phone advice or one to one courses (these take place at a range of locations across the district), to suit your needs. The website (www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk) offers a range of free guides and tools to help people better manage life’s ups and downs. Or you can call 01274 221234 from Monday to Friday and lines are open till 9am to 5pm.”
To view the videos and blogs and find community-based support, visit the Healthy Minds website: How community supports mental health: the power of connection