Promoting mentally healthy workplace this World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is on Thursday 10 October and the international focus is mental health in the workplace.

For many of us, work is a major part of our lives and it can have a huge impact on our mental health. It can be good for our mental health, giving us a sense of purpose, boosting our self-worth, and providing opportunities to connect with others. But it can also be a source of stress and anxiety and contribute to developing or worsening mental health problems. 

Read the Mental Health Foundation guide on how to support both your mental health and your colleagues’ at work.

But whether we spend most of our time at work, at home, or elsewhere, making time for mental wellbeing and self-care is important – and embedding small things as part of your routine can help you feel better and more resilient.

Promoting Positive Mental Wellbeing

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple steps you can take to feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. 

Connect - good relationships and connecting with others are important to build a sense of belonging and to share positive experiences.  

Be active – being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness – it can also boost your mood. 

Learn - learning new skills and doing new things can boost self-confidence and help build a sense of purpose.  

Give - acts of giving and kindness can help to create positive feelings, a sense of reward and self-worth.   

Notice - paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing.

Support and advice    

 Our mental health and wellbeing can be affected by many things. We can all struggle sometimes, and it is important to seek support when you need it.   

 Local and national organisations can offer advice and support: 

Search Every Mind Matters for free, NHS approved advice and simple tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing 

Local mental health support, including crisis support 

Developing skills and confidence  

There are evidence-based training courses available locally to help develop knowledge and confidence to have conversations about mental health and wellbeing, including an emphasis on looking after our own mental wellbeing, to better support others: 

• Community Suicide Awareness  
• Emotional Resilience  
• Connect 5 

These courses are delivered by a network of local trainers and currently available to attend free of charge.