Kerri McOscar Bradley FCIPD, PgD, LLB’s Post

Have you heard of ‘Supported self-help’? We’re delivering a new service in partnership with Mind Charity and it’s ideal for somebody who is not currently accessing mental health treatment and/or may be on a waiting list for additional mental health support. Supported self-help is a free, 6-week guided programme where we give you the materials to understand and manage your feelings. Each week we’ll call to check in on how you’re doing and give you any support you might need. We’ll also send you materials to help you understand and organise your emotions. These might include: - Explaining how and why we experience difficult emotions - A thought diary - Mindfulness techniques The best part? You don’t need a GP referral to access the service. To find out more visit our website: https://lnkd.in/ekXtUDxH Or sign up by accessing the portal directly: https://lnkd.in/eYuJkaHt

We spotted this quote in the Positive News article about mental health, and couldn't celebrate Emma's approach to supporting her mental health more. So much in here that we advocate for with the families that we work with. > a clear plan of action with routines and positive choices > asking for help when needed > engaging in social connections and reconnecting with those you care about > knowing what could help, and striving towards it “Following the breakdown of my relationship of 20 years, I experienced huge levels of stress – emotionally and financially – and guilt for how it affected those around me, specifically my children. However, I was determined for it to be a positive turning point in my life. Despite a lack of sleep and appetite, I maintained a daily routine of working, and familiar routines for my children that helped us feel safe. I reached out and asked for help when I needed it, which I’ve never been very good at. I actively built up social connections, reconnecting with friends, saying ‘yes’ more often to socialising than I had for a long time. I put together a list of new hobbies to try, and experiences I’d like to have. These things gave me a huge positive strength enabling me to get through a very traumatic time. I later attended therapy sessions to process what I had been through, which was very helpful.” – Emma, Dover, UK https://buff.ly/3VB8iS0 #DaybreakCharity #MentalHealth #AdultMentalHealth #SupportPlans #SocialConnections #AskingForHelp #ProblemSolving

🧠✨ World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritising Mental Well-being Together ✨🧠 Today, on World Mental Health Day, let’s come together to break the stigma surrounding mental health and highlight the importance of taking care of our emotional well-being. 💚 Whether you’re struggling, supporting a loved one, or simply learning more about mental health, remember – you’re never alone. We all have mental health, and it’s essential to talk, share, and seek help when needed. This year, let’s remind ourselves and others that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Small conversations can make a big impact! Here are some incredible mental health charities here in the UK that are ready to offer support and resources: 🌱 Mind – Providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Visit: www.mind.org.uk 🌱 Samaritans – Available 24/7 to listen to anyone in distress, without judgment or pressure. Visit: www.samaritans.org 🌱 Rethink Mental Illness – Offering practical support and advice to those living with severe mental illness. Visit: www.rethink.org 🌱 Mental Health Foundation – Working to prevent mental health problems and improve well-being through research and public education. Visit: www.mentalhealth.org.uk Let’s use this day as a reminder to check in on ourselves and those around us. 💬 Reach out, have a chat, and let someone know you care. Together, we can create a more supportive, understanding world. #WorldMentalHealthDay #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone #SerenSupportsMentalHealth Feel free to tag and share these valuable resources with friends and family who might benefit. Let’s make mental health care a priority for everyone. 💙

Tomorrow, October 10th is World Mental Health Day This year's official theme is about prioritising mental health in the workplace. With workplace stress on the increase, employees everywhere are feeling the pressure. Burnout, anxiety, and depression are on the rise affecting job performance, creativity, engagement, and overall life satisfaction. This means that conversations about mental health can no longer be confined to personal lives. There are many ways that both employers and employees can raise awareness, act, and make sure everyone who works around them feels supported and knows that help is on hand. Talking about what's going on in our dat-to-day lives and how we're feeling can help us cope better with life's ups and downs. This is not only true with friends and family, but it's just as important with the people we work with. So why not take 5 minutes to check in with those around you today? You never know, simply asking "How are you?" might just make all the difference. Here are some tips from @Perennial - Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society to help get the conversation started. 🍰 Tea and Talk: Sometimes simply offering a cuppa and having a catch-up can work wonders, whether it's one-on-one or you make it more of an event in your workplace. 🗨 Don't just ask once - ask twice: Don't take "I'm fine" for an answer. Asking "How are you?" a second time shous ou're genuinely interested and can encourage people to open up. 🗨 Choose specific topics: Ask about things like "Hows the family?" or "How's work going?" Sometimes, starting with specific questions makes it easier for someone to share. 👍 Don't worry about getting it wrong. You don't have to have all the answers. Just showing you care is a wonderful first step. If you feel a colleague would benefit from further support, encourage them to speak to their employer, GP, or reach out the the Samaritans. For more support visit https://lnkd.in/e8uq_Fvw #WorldMentalHealthDay #PerennialHelps

R U OK? 💛 ⁠ Is someone in your life experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, exhaustion, or just feeling down?⁠ ⁠ Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Many people encounter mental health challenges, and it's important to recognise and address them.⁠ ⁠ Even those who are currently in a strong mental space can still face tough days filled with anxiety, stress, and sadness. Having a supportive network can be incredibly valuable.⁠ ⁠ It’s completely OK not to feel OK, which is why R U OK?Day is so important.⁠ ⁠ Asking someone how they're doing helps to reduce the stigma around mental health and provides necessary support. No one should endure their struggles in silence or go through tough times alone.⁠ ⁠ Today on R U OK?Day and ANY DAY please reach out to your community, check in with a colleague or friend, and offer a compassionate ear. Sometimes, a simple “Are you OK?” can truly make a difference.⁠ ⁠ RESOURCES & SUPPORT⁠ ⁠ We proudly support Black Dog Institute, which provides reliable mental health resources and support tools grounded in research and professional advice. Check the link in our bio for more details.⁠ ⁠ For confidential crisis support, Lifeline Australia is available around the clock. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online at Lifeline Australia.⁠ ⁠ 13YARN offers 24/7 crisis support specifically for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).⁠ ⁠ For more support options and to build an R U OK? culture across your year, visit R U OK? via the link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ #RUOKDay #RUOK ##RUOKDay2024 #AskRUOKAnyDay #AreTheyReallyOK⁠ #mentalhealthmatters ⁠

It's Mental Health Awareness Week, and we wanted to take some time to discuss something a lot of people struggle with, workplace burnout 🤯 🧠 We've pulled together a quick infographic on what it is, what the signs are, and how you can help combat it 🤙 Shoutout to Mental Health in Recruitment and Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity for giving us some brilliant tips on this topic. Visit Mental Health UK for more tips. We'll leave the link in the comments 👇 #burnoutrecovery #mentalhealthawareness #MHAW

Today is Time to Talk Day, an annually recognised day held at the beginning of February to raise awareness and spark a conversation around mental health. Breaking down the stigma of talking about and addressing mental health isn't easy, but a simple conversation can save someone's life- it's #TimeToTalk. We've highlighted some tips from the charity Mind that you can use to start a conversation. 💬 Ask, listen and understand - Asking considerate questions enables the space someone may need to properly express how they're feeling and any hardships they're experiencing in day-to-day life. Doing this can then help you understand their experience better. Ask questions that are open, and non-judgemental. For example "how does that affect you?" or "what does it feel like?" 🕑 Think about the time and place - Sometimes it's easier to talk whilst pre-occupied, this can allow a more natural flow of conversation and not make someone feel pressured into an instance of conversation. You could start the conversation when you're walking, at the gym or stuck in traffic. But don't let the search for the perfect place put you off! 🛠️ It can be hard to see someone you care about having a difficult time. Try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what they’re going through. Learning to manage or recover from a mental health problem can be a long journey. They’ve likely already considered lots of different tools and strategies. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen. See more about how you can do your bit on Time to Talk Day: https://buff.ly/47GYmZS. #Ours #MentalHealth #Workplace #CSR #WorkplaceHealth

Isolation can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing. It can often lead to feeling worried, low, out of sorts, or just struggling to work up the energy to do things you used to do. If you're feeling isolated and you need some advice, scroll through this post to learn how you can stay safe for now and where you can find support. Remember, our HOPELINE247 advisers are just a call away if you're struggling with thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 068 4141 any time of the day for free and confidential support. 💜 #SuicidePrevention #Support

🌍 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 🌍 A day where we take a moment to think about others, their wellbeing, and what we can do to help someone who might be struggling…a fab thing to do! BUT!!... We also need to be taking a moment for ourselves, checking in with our own mental health and firstly, making sure YOU’RE okay! Sometimes, it feels easier to immerse yourself in helping others (as it’s probably one of the easiest ways to feel good about yourself if) but just stop and ask yourself this…If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell can you love somebody else? (Yes, I stole that from RuPaul, what are you gunna do about it!?) Did you know…according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 1 in 8 of us suffer with a MH disorder…that’s OVER 1 BILLION PEOPLE! So you’re never alone…no matter how dark times might seem, there are people out there who understand and CAN help! So, if you’re feeling low, there’s plenty you can do… - Self Care! Doesn’t have to be a pampering session…cook yourself a decent meal or maybe treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting for a while! 🎁 👨🍳 - Go for a walk! It’s been PROVEN that getting back to nature can improve sleep, reduce stress and lift our mood. 🌳 🦜 - Talk! A problem shared is a problem halved and you don’t have to suffer alone. Sometimes though, we don’t feel we can talk to the people around us and that’s okay…there are some great charities you can talk to! (see below) - Talk to your future self! This one might sound a bit crazy but, if you find yourself feeling positive, write a letter to your future self full of the things you know you’d want to hear when feeling blue. 💌 Last bit from me…whether you know me personally or not, I’m here to lend an ear to anyone who might need it…peace out! ✌ #worldmentalhealthday #reachout #dontsufferinsilence #yougotthis

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact mental health has on our lives and the lives of those around us. Fourteen years ago, the world lost a bright soul to suicide, a friend named Jon. His absence is a stark reminder of the silent battles many face and the importance of reaching out, offering support, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health struggles. Jon's memory serves as a beacon, guiding us to be more compassionate and understanding. He was more than his struggles; he was a friend, a source of laughter, and a person who touched the lives of many. We honor him not just in grief, but in action, by advocating for mental health awareness and support. Supporting Loved Ones: 1. Listen Actively: Create a safe space for loved ones to share their feelings without judgment. 2. Check-In Regularly: Sometimes, a simple "How are you really feeling?" can make all the difference. 3. Educate Yourself: Understand the signs of mental distress and the resources available for help. 4. Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest seeking help from mental health professionals when needed. Do not push them. 5. Be Patient: Healing is not linear. Offer your unwavering support through the ups and downs. Self-Reflection: It's also crucial to check in with ourselves. Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary. By ensuring our own well-being, we are better equipped to support others. Moving Forward: As we move beyond this month, let's carry the torch of awareness, empathy, and action throughout the year. Mental health is an ongoing journey, not confined to a single month. Let's pledge to be there for one another, to lend an ear, a shoulder, or a helping hand whenever it's needed. In loving memory of Jon and all those we've lost, let's continue to shine a light on mental health, today and every day. I love you. 💚 #MentalWellness #Selfcare #UnconditionalSupport #Love