#DoOneThing to support the fight this World Mental Health Day
We are excited to share with you what we are doing to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on Sunday 10th October. We hope to inspire you to get involved and join us in the fight for better mental health in Devon.
This year’s theme is focused on the inequalities that currently exist in the mental health system, as well the wider inequalities within our society that impact upon our mental health. Therefore, we decided it was crucial for us to get involved with Mind’s national campaign to #DoOneThing for better mental health. This call to action aims to encourage and inspire everyone to pause, take a step back, reflect, and take action to look after their own — and others’ — mental health.
We also felt it important to mention how we are continuing to support those needing mental health support in Devon. The past two years have been challenging for everyone and have placed the mental health of many of us at greater risk. It shouldn’t be like this.
Do one thing, change everything
This WMHD is a chance to speak out, spread the word, and make that change happen. If we all do one thing, we can change everything. That’s where you come in. We want to encourage you to join us and take one of these small actions — either take time out to do something positive to benefit your own mental health; reach out, connect and check in with others around you; or use your voice to start a conversation around mental health inequalities. All of these actions can have a positive impact, no matter how small, and begin a chain of much-needed change.
Here are some of our favourite activities that help boost our mental wellbeing:
Long beach walks exploring our beautiful county
Practicing mindfulness through meditation
Handcrafting cards for a loved one’s birthday
Planting seeds and watching them grow
Having a tech-free day to switch off from the noise
Spending time journalling our thoughts and emotions
Getting active to boost our physical health
Listening to our favourite music on full volume
Connecting with loved ones over a cup of tea
Jumping for mental health
We have joined forces with our amazing colleagues at Cornwall Mind and Mind in Somerset to jump for mental health awareness across the South West. On Sunday 10th October, select supporters and staff from each charity will be taking part in a 15,000-foot tandem skydive at Dunkeswell Airfield in Honiton, East Devon. We’ll be raising money for our respective organisations and helping to increase the awareness of mental health across the South West by engaging with supporters, friends, and family members alike. Should you want to join us in jumping for mental health, you too can sign up to skydive with your friends or colleagues.
On the day, we will also be sharing the actions the rest of us will be taking for our #DoOneThing. Be sure to check out our Instagram profile to see behind the scenes of our brave jumpers, some ideas for things you can do at home, and an opportunity to share with us what you are doing for WMHD.
Our support services
No doubt, many of you are already familiar with the services we offer. However, WMHD seems like a perfect opportunity to remind you of some of the support we can offer face-to-face, over the phone and online. Check out the links below to find out more information about each service and register with us here, to let us know how we could help and what service you would like to access.
We currently have a calendar of courses and workshops that are designed to support you in developing positive lifestyle choices for your mental health. These include workshops such as Understanding Anxiety and longer courses like My Health, My Way.
Our free face-to-face support groups have now resumed and can provide a safe and supportive environment for those suffering a range of different mental health conditions. Current groups include Depression Support, Anxiety Support, Men’s Support, and Hearing Voices Support.
Our counselling service provides 1:1 emotional support for those who may be experiencing a mental health problem.
Additionally, we offer a range of training courses to help those who wish to further their knowledge of mental health. There are several public dates available over the next few months. Our Mental Health First-aid course aims to equip participants with all the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to be able to identify the signs of various mental health problems and have the confidence to help someone experiencing distress. These skills can really help you make a difference to those around you.
If you would like to donate to help contribute to our services, please click here.