World Mental Health Day takes place annually on 10 October, and this year’s theme focuses on ‘overwhelm: when global events and relentless bad news become too much’.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Everyone deserves good mental health, no matter what they’re going through, and we all have a role to play by encouraging open conversations, listening without judgment, and helping people find the support they need when they need it.
“There are little things we can all do to lift our mood or ease our anxiety. This could be as simple as taking a walk, prioritising our sleep or opening up to a friend.
“One of the easiest ways to support mental wellbeing is simply by talking – and there will be a series of ‘Tea and Talk’ sessions taking place at our libraries and Family Hubs throughout October to encourage open conversation over a cuppa.
“Every Mind Matters also has lots of tips and tools to help us look after our own mental health and make a big difference to how we feel.”
Tea and Talk mornings will be held at Finchfield Library tomorrow (Tuesday) from 10.30am to 12.30pm, Tettenhall Library on Friday (10 October) from 10am to 11.45am, and Penn Library next Tuesday 14 October from 10am to 11.45am. All are welcome.
Family Hubs across the city will also host Tea & Talk sessions throughout October, with visitors, including those attending Stay and Play groups, also invited to take home free tea bags so they can enjoy a cuppa with a friend or neighbour.
Meanwhile, national charity Rethink Mental Illness and local support services will be holding a special mental wellbeing session at The Hub at Wolverhampton railway station on Friday (10 October) from noon to 3pm.
If someone is experiencing a difficult time or is concerned about another person, they are not alone – there are many options available for support:
- Self-care: Visit Every Mind Matters for NHS approved tips and resources to help maintain mental wellbeing NHS | Every Mind Matters
- Urgent support: Call NHS 111 and select option 2, or text 07860 025 281 for immediate assistance
- Out of hours help: The Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub provides support during evenings and weekends at 84 Salop Street. Call 0808 802 2288 or text 07860 065168
- NHS Talking Therapies: Individuals can self-refer for help with common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood by visiting NHS | Wolverhampton Talking Therapies
- Local community support directory: Explore available services through the Hub of Hope
GP practices are also available to support mental health, not just physical health.
The Family Hubs Parent and Infant Wellbeing Team offer a range of weekly activities to help parents with their wellbeing and build positive bonds with their infants, including baby massage, Baby & Me wellbeing groups, coffee mornings and one to one befriending. To find out more, please email FHParent.InfantWBTeam@wolverhampton.gov.uk. For further advice, visit NHS | Best Start in Life.
For someone who needs to talk, the following organisations offer confidential support:
- SANE – 0300 304 7000 (available 4pm to 10pm)
- Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7 freephone)
- Mind – 0330 123 3393 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
- Silverline (run by Age UK) – 0800 470 8090 (24/7 freephone)
Friday also marks World Homeless Day, and recognises that the fact that these issues are often interlinked. Mental health issues can often make it difficult for a person to secure or maintain accommodation without support, and housing and financial insecurity can worsen mental health problems.
To raise awareness of the year-round work that goes on in the city to tackle homelessness there will be a special information stall in Dudley Street, outside McDonald’s, on Friday from 11am to 3pm.
