This year we mark Mental Health Awareness Week with awareness-raising webinars, sources of support and perspectives on mental health from our staff.
While everyone is aware of the huge toll Covid-19 has taken on physical health, it’s equally important to recognise the impact the last two years have had on the nation’s mental health. People are still suffering from the consequence of bereavement, loss of routine and support networks, and isolation due to working from home. There are many stories of trauma experienced through lockdown spent with abusive family members, and many such cases involve children.
But even before Covid-19, mental health services have struggled to meet the needs of the population. Further adding to the problem is the lack of understanding of mental health, which has meant that many have not attempted to access services that would have helped them.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Initiated by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health. In recent years, this annual campaign has focused on the themes of wellbeing through nature, the importance of kindness and nurturing a positive body image. The theme of 2022’s campaign is loneliness.
At Lewisham Homes, our employees’ mental wellbeing is a priority. We encourage discussion of mental health in safe spaces and strive to manage employees’ mental health with compassion and support. We strive to extend this to a compassionate approach to residents’ mental wellbeing too.
Internally staff have been sharing their perspectives on loneliness and taking part in a webinar that focussed on loneliness and mental health at work.
The Mental Health Foundation offers advice on coping with loneliness and improving your mental health. Learn more here.
