This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual event encouraging people to think about their own mental health and wellbeing, and how aspects of daily life can affect it. Research from mental health charity Mind shows that more than half of adults (60 per cent) and over two thirds of young people (68 per cent) said their mental health got worse during lockdown. This is underpinned by a rise in loneliness, with a recent study showing a 16 per cent increase in February, compared to March 2020[1]. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week and the impact the pandemic has had on the people of Cumbria, Cumbria County Council is highlighting some of their health and wellbeing courses. The County Council provides a range of courses specific to improving Health & Wellbeing - with many starting this month and in June. The courses focus on topics such as resilience, mindfulness and confidence, as well as activities that support better emotional wellbeing such as Hill Skills and Painting for Wellness. These courses are free or low cost. Many are online and all are COVID safe and open to everyone. Director of Public Health for Cumbria Colin Cox said: “The increase in depression and anxiety during the pandemic is concerning and together with our partners we will be putting in place a range of support measures - including resources to help people take action themselves. This week is about raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing, as well as sharing where support is available. In many cases of depression and anxiety, prevention is possible. Early prevention can include self-help tools such as resilience and mindfulness. The courses offered by Cumbria County Council provide a way for people to proactively manage their own wellbeing - and share the skills they learn with their loved ones. “Regardless of what you are experiencing, the most important thing is not to be afraid of seeking help.” Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services, said: “Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to reflect on our own mental health as well as recognising when those around us may be struggling. There should be no stigma. I would encourage everyone to consider their mental wellbeing as fundamental to their health as diet or fitness. Often, that means being proactive and keeping our mental health in good shape, before things like anxiety and depression become unmanageable. Our courses provide an opportunity to learn new skills to support your wellbeing - including some that result in a qualification. They are free or low cost, and concessions are available. “Coming out of lockdown, the wellbeing of our communities is a priority for the County Council. Our health & wellbeing courses are just one of the ways we will be offering support to our communities.” Some of the upcoming health and wellbeing courses are outlined below.
A full list of the courses on offer can be found at: https://adultlearning.cumbria.gov.uk/subjects/health.asp
If you or someone you know would need further support, details can be found below: The Samaritans If you need to talk to someone urgently, The Samaritans are available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year on 116 123. Mindline Cumbria Mindline Cumbria offers support and guidance about mental health over the phone on 0300 561 0000 or text 'Mind' to 81066. You can also go online and chat to trained professionals: http://www.mindlinecumbria.org/ Togetherall Togetherall is a service offering free online support to anyone aged 16 and over; 24/7 you just need a Cumbrian postcode to register. It provides online peer-peer support, access to an anonymous community and lots of information, as well as courses and resources covering a range of mental health and wellbeing topics. |