Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust supports Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, the official theme this year is ‘Loneliness’ and, across the week, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust is encouraging you to reach out to your friends, family, colleagues, and communities.

Loneliness can affect anyone at any point in their lives. We know that loneliness can have a huge impact on mental health and general wellbeing. Over the last few years, we have seen a lot of change to our social interactions, working environments and overall connectivity with others. This week we are shining a light on the importance of connectivity.

Starting up a conversation about mental health can at times feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we have provided useful tools that you, a colleague, friend or loved one may benefit from. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn and share the resources we are posting throughout week. #BSMHFT #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

If you or a loved one needs support

• It's okay to speak to someone. If you need support, we’re here to talk, 24/7. Call us on 0121 262 3555 or 0800 915 9292.
• In this short video, Better Health explain how you can help to ‘lift someone out of loneliness’
• If you are a Birmingham resident aged 16 and over, Birmingham Healthy Minds offers a free service for those with depression and anxiety. Call us on 0121 301 2525.
• One of the many great things about Birmingham and Solihull is the people. We have many Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs that are there for you when you need them.  The service is available and free of charge for adults over the age of 18, under secondary mental health services in Birmingham or Solihull, on GP Serious Mental Illness Register (SMI register) or those experiencing long term/severe mental health difficulties.
• Evidence suggests there are five steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. Visit 5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS
• For a lot of us, particularly those in later life, loneliness can define our lives and have a significant impact on our wellbeing. Age UK have many valuable resources to help reduce loneliness.

If your colleague needs support

• Work is often the most stressful factor in people’s lives, but at times people don’t feel able to ask for help when they’re struggling. Here’s some handy tips on how to support a work colleague who you think might be struggling with their mental health: How to support staff who are experiencing a mental health problem.

Show loneliness the red card - get connected in the community!

The Aston Villa Foundation TeamWork project, in partnership with Recovery College For All are introducing a six-week physical activity and nutrition programme, delivered at Villa Park, Aston.  The course is focused on supporting residents to make small lifestyle changes to positively impact on physical and mental health.

This is a great programme where individuals can meet new people, develop new skills, and take part in fun, interactive sessions to help kickstart your journey… but don’t just take our word for it, Aston Villa legend, Ian Taylor summaries it perfectly!

The courses are open to:

• People who use Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) services
• Supporters (carers, friends, and family) of the above
• Trust staff members, including students
• Those who are part of the Trust membership

Course dates

All sessions begin at 11.00am – 1.00pm and will be held at Villa Park, Aston

If you have any further queries, would like additional information, or would like to book a place on this course, please email bsmhft.recoverycollege@nhs.net

Recovery College

Recovery College is open to service users, carers and families, Trust staff and Trust members.  The sessions have been developed with, and for, people who have been affected by mental health difficulties.  Recovery College is a great place to connect with others who have shared experiences and to learn more about our experiences and our personal recovery.  The new timetable will be available soon, with sessions available throughout the Summer.  Join our mailing list: bsmhft.recoverycollege@nhs.net to keep up to date with the latest Recovery College news.

There are also resources available on our website: Recovery - Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust - bsmhft.  We have several personal accounts of recovery experiences, ideas to help us connect with ourselves and with others and most importantly, help us feel less alone in our experiences.

Recovery for All forum

The Recovery for All forum is held on the first Friday of the month and is a place to connect with others.  It is open to service users, families and carers and Trust staff.  We have regular guest speakers, opportunities to share personal recovery experiences and most importantly, connect with others who understand.  It is a great opportunity to be part of the wider community.  To find out more or to come along to the next meeting, email us: bsmhft.recoveryforall@nhs.net