The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is community, and the Mental Health Foundation, which has hosted the week since 2000, said: “Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense of purpose.”
To fit the theme, the Brightstar Group will put on a number of events to get people working together, contributing to the local community and raising awareness of mental health. This will include pebble painting and community walks led by the Mental Health First Aid Team, and a group quiz at the end of the week.
It has launched the Brightstar Group Community Action Project, inviting its team members to sign up for a community project during one day of the working year.
Employees will be able to help with a range of projects, including those to support the elderly, animal sanctuaries, charity shops, food banks and local schools.
They will also have a “mentally healthy” breakfast and take part in the ‘Wear it Green’ day to support mental health awareness.
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The Brightstar Group’s Mental Health First Team will be leading the week, which includes Clare Jupp (pictured), group chief people officer.
She said: “Mental health issues create separations within society, which compound the feelings of those who suffer as being different and feeling helpless and lonely. Without appropriate help, mental health issues can destroy people’s lives.
“At the Brightstar Group, we continue to build awareness about mental health issues and to offer support if needed. We have also created an environment where our team feel comfortable to say if they are experiencing problems and to destigmatise mental health as a whole.”
Jupp added: “This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will help us all to focus on the importance of our community and how we can help others in a multitude of ways. The concept of ‘giving back’ is powerful; both for those who receive and for those who lend their support and time.”
