It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and Dorset County Council is encouraging local business and groups to hold events and get people talking about mental health issues.
The theme for this year’s awareness week, which runs from Monday 14 to Sunday 20 May, is stress. Research has shown that two thirds of us experience a mental health problem in our lifetimes and stress is widely considered to be an important factor in this.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time to think about how we can all address the causes of stress.
Looking after your health, spending time with friends and family, eating properly and getting enough exercise, all help you to relieve stress and stay fit.
Cabinet member for workforce and mental health champion Cllr Peter Wharf said: “Stress is something that nearly all of us face at some point in our lives and, by tackling it together, we can hopefully reduce the impact of things like anxiety and depression.”
“Dorset is one of the greenest counties with some breath-taking natural spaces. I’d encourage everyone to make use of our green spaces, relieve stress and spend some time outdoors.”
Some suggestions to bring people together could be:
- Hosting a wellbeing walk
- Spread the word and post stories on your social media
- Hold a ‘Curry and Chaat’ night – get a group together, enjoy a curry and raise money for charity
Walking groups can also be a good way to get started and it’s a great way to make friends who can keep you motivated. Check out local health walks on dorsetforyou.gov.uk/healthwalks
