Mental Health Awareness Week - 9th - 15th May 2022

The theme this year is loneliness

Loneliness affects many of us at one time or another. We know that loneliness can be both the driver for and a product of poor mental health.

Both society and our workplaces have changed since the pandemic which has had a huge impact on people becoming isolated, feeling lonely and impacting their mental health.

What can we do to prevent loneliness both at home and at work?

You may not be affected but is one of your colleagues, neighbours or friends has been but we don’t realise because you haven’t ASKED

This week the focus is CONNECTING with people.

Here are some TIPS…….

AT HOME

• Check in on someone you have spoken to for a while

• Build new connections by joining a club or a group

• Ask the postman how he is doing today

• Smile and acknowledge people as you go about your day to day activities

• Introduce yourself to the neighbours you don’t know

• Next time you are in a shop, ask the person who serves you ‘how they are doing today?’

AT WORK

• Organise a BIG Mental Health GET TOGETHER with your team

• Schedule a weekly tea break into your calendar where anyone can join for a chat and a cuppa

• Plan and have lunch with a colleague you don’t know very well

• Say HELLO to everyone when you arrive at the office (make sure you don’t miss anyone out)

• Ask your work mates to tell you something you wouldn’t know about them? Their party trick or interesting hobby?

  The smallest interaction will make the BIGGEST difference. Make someone’s day today = CONNECT