As World Mental Health Day approaches, partners across Warwickshire are uniting to remind residents that comprehensive mental health support is readily available. The campaign's theme, 'Lived experiences heard, real voices, real change', underscores the critical importance of actively listening to individuals and ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
From community groups and voluntary organisations to NHS services, a wide array of support is accessible for those experiencing mental health conditions or emotional wellbeing concerns. Councillor Anne Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, stated, "World Mental Health Day is an important reminder that mental health matters every day of the year. By listening to people's experiences and talking openly about mental health, we can help build stronger, more supportive communities. Warwickshire County Council (WCC) encourages everyone to take a moment to check in with themselves and others, and to remember that support is available." Information on support can be found at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mental-health-wellbeing.
This year's theme highlights how listening to personal experiences and fostering safe spaces for dialogue can effectively combat stigma and motivate more individuals to seek help. Open conversations and mutual support are key to ensuring lived experiences lead to greater understanding and positive societal change.
Residents considering opening up about their feelings are advised to choose a trusted individual, whether a friend, family member, or colleague, or to utilise support helplines. Selecting a comfortable and private setting, or engaging in a shared activity like a walk, can facilitate these conversations. It is also important to be open to honest dialogue, understanding that some individuals may need time to process information, and to practice self-care afterwards.
The campaign also promotes the 5 Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Get Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give. These practices are encouraged to boost mental health and resilience. A video offering insights into how others support their mental health is available at youtu.be/hV90VuycD1Y.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Coventry City Council, expressed pride in supporting the theme, emphasising the power of community in fostering understanding and hope. He noted, "Strong, connected communities are one of our greatest assets in supporting mental wellbeing."
Dr Richard Onyon, Chief Medical Officer at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, stressed the importance of listening and open conversations, stating, "Mental health can have a significant impact on our lives, our relationships and our wellbeing." The Trust is committed to ensuring timely access to support, including talking therapies and urgent mental health services.
For those experiencing a mental health crisis, NHS 111 is available 24/7, with a mental health option, or residents can text CWHOPE to 85258 for confidential support. Self-referrals to Coventry and Warwickshire Talking Therapies and the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy are also options.
Recent outreach activities, including an event outside Shire Hall in Warwick hosted by Wellbeing for Warwickshire, brought together various organisations to raise awareness. Attendees engaged with representatives from groups like Keyring, Qwell, and CWW Mind, and explored the wellbeing bus.
Further resources are available through Wellbeing for Warwickshire (wellbeingforwarwickshire.org.uk) and Wellbeing for Coventry (cwwmind.org.uk/wfc). Comprehensive information on local mental health and wellbeing services, including face-to-face, telephone, and online options, can be found at warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth, covwarkpt.nhs.uk/our-services, and coventry.gov.uk/mentalhealth.
For global information and free resources on World Mental Health Day, visit the Mental Health Foundation's campaign webpage at mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/world-mental-health-day.
