Over 1.25 million people used NHS specialist mental health services in 2009-10; an increase of 4% in the previous year which continues a rising trend. That’s according to statistics given by Mental Health Research UK who are the only organisation in the country that exclusively supports UK based research into mental health. Mental illness and self-injury account for 22.8% of the UK’s disease burden, compared to 15.9% for cancer and 16.2% for cardiovascular disease.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2016 takes place from 16-22 May, with the theme of relationships. Since this began in 2000 it has helped generate public debate on how anxiety, sleep deprivation and exercise can all impact on our mental health. This year will be a celebration of the connections, relationships and people in our lives. This helps add to our wellbeing, which protects and sustains our mental health.
During the week, events will be taking place across the length and breadth of the country to help raise awareness of how important it is to maintain strong relationships with people you know well.
There are many ways which you can get involved with what will be happening including:
- Holding an event which will bring people together.
- Host a wellbeing walk – with friends, colleagues or people in your community
- Set up a stand in your local hospital, community centre, library or supermarket
- Hold a series of lectures or talks on mental health – make it as interactive as possible and get the audience involved!
If you’d like more information on Mental Health Awareness Week and would like to see what sort of events will be happening in your area, please visit:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
