Mental Health Awareness Week 2022

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that provides an opportunity for the whole of the UK to reflect and understand the importance of looking after our mental wellbeing. This year, it will be taking place between Monday 9th and Sunday 15th May and will explore loneliness, the effect it can have on our mental health and what we can do to reduce it in our communities.

Loneliness affects millions of people in the UK every year and is a key driver of poor mental health. The Mental Health Foundation’s research has unsurprisingly found that loneliness has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic with an even more devastating impact than before. People feel more isolated and less able to connect with others, and many of us feel it is an important issue that needs to be addressed.

“Loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health during the pandemic. Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health so we must find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness”

Mark Rowland, Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation

The Mental Health Foundation has been pioneering change for the last 70 years, and they are continuing to tackle unresearched issues that are still impacting the lives of many. When we experience good mental health, we can make full use of our abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life and play a full part in our families, workplaces and communities, as well as among friends. Despite our mental health being such an important personal and social resource, they believe the extent of problems in the population means that too many of us are struggling.

You can find out more information about Mental Health Awareness Week by visiting the Mental Health Foundation website. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to one of the services below for advice.