Monday 9 May to Sunday 15 May is Mental Health Awareness week, with 2022’s theme being loneliness. This year, is the 22nd year running for the Mental Health Foundation.
Many different things can impact mental health. The effect of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis has led to a rise in isolation. The stress and loneliness of the pandemic has left individuals feeling more isolated. On top of this, trying to engage in every day life has been more difficult, with adapting to changes in society.
Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: ‘We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic. Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time.’
Bromley by Bow Centre is hosting a number of events throughout the week in order to help build awareness about mental health. Individuals will be shown how to access the right support, self care techniques, and get involved with group activities.
These include; a walking group, outdoor Zumba, mindfulness classes and event LGBTQIA+ coffee afternoons.
The Mental Health Foundation has suggested a number of things we as a community can do to help raise awareness:
- During Mental Health Awareness Week use the hashtag #IveBeenThere to share
experiences of loneliness to support others and give the campaign momentum. - Sign up to walk, run or job as part of our 80 Miles in May challenge and share your photos using #80MilesinMay and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.