Mental Health Awareness Week (13th – 19th May); Forward’s week-long schedule of activities to support and inspire staff is more innovative than ever
From Laughter Yoga to a HIIT Class, The Forward Trust is once again getting behind the annual campaign, Mental Health Awareness Week (13th-19th May) with a wide range of sessions to support our 800 staff, providing something of interest to everyone.
We are really pleased to be delivering some interesting, fun and unique sessions to calm body and mind – whilst also promoting this year’s theme of ‘movement’.
See our schedule below:
| Date | Session |
| Mon 13th May | Soundbath: An immersive sound experience, where sound waves wash over you as you relax and enjoy the melodic journey. Sound makes meditation more accessible for those who find sitting in silence either boring or difficult, as the harmonics effortlessly take your mind into a meditative state. By the end, you’ll feel supremely relaxed, calm and happy. |
| Tues 14th May | Laughter Yoga: A series of fun exercises that combines breathing techniques with fun ways to get the body to laugh (without telling jokes!) The session will include a few warm-up exercises which include stretching, chanting, clapping and breathing activities. “Fake” laughter turns genuine as inhibitions are broken down. |
| HIIT Class: Movement is great for your physical and mental wellbeing. Join us for a bodyweight High Intensity Interval Training exercise class– no weights/equipment needed. | |
| Desk Stretches: Neck and shoulder pain are common in desk-based jobs. Get loosened up and work out the kinks with these simple desk-exercises. | |
| Weds 15th May | Desk Stretches: Neck and shoulder pain are common in desk-based jobs. Get loosened up and work out the kinks with these simple desk-exercises. |
| Caring for our Whole Self: an online talk with special guest speaker Fiona Clarke providing some practical tips and ideas for incorporating self-care and kindness into our daily routine: Coming home to our body Caring for our mind Nourishing our heart | |
| Laughter Yoga: A series of fun exercises that combines breathing techniques with fun ways to get the body to laugh (without telling jokes!) The session will include a few warm-up exercises which include stretching, chanting, clapping and breathing activities. “Fake” laughter turns genuine as inhibitions are broken down. | |
| Thurs 16th May | Colouring Coffee Break: Come and join us for a coffee, chat and colouring session. Take some time to decompress from work, get creative, chat and enjoy a coffee (or any beverage of your choosing!) with colleagues. |
| Body Scan meditation: take some time to tune into all parts of your body from your head to your feet in a guided way. A body scan is designed to help you be more aware of any physical sensations you may be experiencing as well as emotions and feelings. This method of meditation may help you to relieve tension that you may have been unaware of as your body carries stress and can mask where that is being felt on your body. Aches and pains in the body can be connected to muscle tension, back and shoulder pain, and headaches. | |
| Fri 17th May | Forward in Song: At the end of a busy week of Mental Health Awareness Week activities, we’ll be hosting a special Sing Along – to let your hair down, have fun and a chance to SING at the top of your voices! The benefits to mental health from singing are well known, it enhances mood; reduces stress; is uplifting and increases positive feelings. What better way to kick start the weekend! We’ll be joined by our amazingly talented Comms Officer Alicia who is Welsh and knows a thing or two about belting out great tunes. It doesn’t matter if you are unable to hold a tune or can sing like Pavarotti, everyone can take part! |
Movement is a key concept within mental health, widely promoted as an important aspect of managing our everyday mood with a number of physical health benefits. Endorphins, released through active hobbies and exercise, are an important way of relieving stress and making us feel good.
Forward is also able to support staff through the appropriate channels within our HR teams, alongside our establish wellbeing package – including Simply Health. Visit our ‘Work For Us‘ page or contact HR.
If you need to check the timings of these sessions – or check anything else – please contact edi@forwardtrust.org.uk
Support on social media:
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Mental Health Support – National Agencies and Charities
If you have non-emergency health concerns, you can contact:
NHS 111 for non-emergency medical advice.
A local pharmacy can also provide a range of non-emergency advice.
If you are in crisis or urgent situation, such as a suspected overdose, call 999.
List of recommended national support services:
Anxiety UK
Nationwide organization that supports all things anxiety-related. Whether you have anxiety, stress, anxiety-based depression or a phobia that’s affecting your daily life. They are fully supported by an expert team of medical advisors, and offer an online chat service.
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Telephone the helpline number on 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri: 10:30am-4:30pm)
Text support on 07537 416905 (Mon-Fri: 10.30-4.30)
Ask Anxia automated web-chat service for anxiety queries available 24/7
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Provides a free and confidential helpline and website – 7 hours a day (5pm-Midnight), 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. CALM also support those bereaved by suicide, through the Support after Suicide Partnership (SASP).
www.thecalmzone.net
Telephone: 0800 585858
Web chat, both phone and web chat available 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year.
My Black Dog
An online mental health charity which is facilitated by volunteers. All their volunteers are people who have experienced mental health illness including suicide, self-harm and depression. Online chat support is available. Also offers guidance and support for mental health.
www.myblackdog.co
Web chat available weekday evenings 5pm-10pm and on Sundays 7pm-10pm.
The Mix
The UK’s leading support service for young people under the age of 25. They offer support with a range of issues from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Support is offered via their online community, through their free, confidential helpline or web chat counselling service.
www.themix.org.uk
One to one Web chat available 4pm-11pm Mon-Fri
For crisis messenger text THEMIX to 85258
Give us a Shout
Provides help with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, bullying or if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
www.giveusashout.org
Text SHOUT to 85258 support available 24/7