World Mental Health Day 2021

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World Mental Health Day 2021

Sunday 10 October was World Mental Health Day 2021. Every year on October 10, The World Health Organisation, alongside the charity sector raise awareness of mental health issues. The theme announced for World Mental Health Day 2021 is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World'.

Because of Covid-19, people have found themselves to be suffering from bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear, which in many cases can trigger mental ill health. From the beginning of the pandemic, the Mental Health Foundation have been tracking its impact on people's mental health. Their research has shown that some of the people struggling the most are those who were already facing considerable challenges people with long term health conditions, or facing discrimination, or parenting on their own.

The findings of their research led the MHF to launch the ‘Covid Response Programme', a £2 million project aimed at delivering targeted support for some of the people hit hardest by the pandemic. Find out all about the project here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/covid-response-programme

Jon Cruddas MP has been a long-standing supporter of mental health charities such as the Mental Health Foundation, Mind, Rethink and Movember. Last year Jon contacted the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ensure that suitable support mechanisms were in place to address the mental health impacts of Covid-19 and successive lockdowns.

Jon said: "We are just coming out of the toughest period faced in a generation; this is bound to have had an impact on people's mental health. Together we have faced isolation, uncertainty, and loss. Raising awareness on World Mental health Day and ensuring the support structures are in place to effectively address peoples needs couldn't be more important this year. I have always supported the work of both local and national charities, they do a fantastic job breaking down the stigma surrounding mental ill health and getting people talking, which is often the first step to recovery."

If you or someone you know needs support, please visit one of the links listed below.

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org // Or call 116 123

CALM: https://www.thecalmzone.net // Or call 0800 58 58 58

Movember: https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health

Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Wish - A voice for women's mental health: https://www.womenatwish.org.uk/

Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk