Take time out on World Mental Health Day!

YMCA Mendip and South Somerset is calling on the local community to make their mental health a priority this World Mental Health Day (10th October) and take an hour for themselves to improve their mental wellbeing.

As part of its #IAMWHOLE campaign, the charity is encouraging people to throw their support behind Whole Hour, an initiative that champions the importance of self-care and tackles the stigma surrounding mental health difficulties, to encourage more young people to speak out, seek help and get support.

YMCA Mendip and South Somerset say, “We offer mental health advice and counselling through all our services. Last year we provided 30,717 safe nights, engaged with 3,659 young people with educational activities, assisted 188 adults with housing support to access benefits, and helped 324 people to move on to their own home after what has often been a really traumatic breakdown in their family situation.”

As part of Whole Hour, YMCA Mendip & South Somerset is calling on everyone in the local community to do something that benefits their mental health on Thursday 10th October between midday and 1pm, whether that is something active and healthy, creative and fun, mindful and thoughtful, or restful and relaxing.

 Mike Fairbeard, chief executive of YMCA Mendip and South Somerset said, “Our research showed that more than three quarters (77%) of young people know someone who has experienced difficulties with their mental health. 

“Conversations about mental health shouldn’t just be in moments of crisis or when someone is already experiencing difficulties. It’s important that we talk about positive mental health and how to keep our minds healthy. 

“We are on a mission to show that each and every one of us should regularly look after our mental wellbeing and this starts with taking a whole hour for yourself on World Mental Health Day.”

 Jordan Stephens, one half of music duo Rizzle Kicks and #IAMWHOLE ambassador said, “Whole Hour is about taking time to boost your mental health. It doesn’t matter if this is meditating, doing yoga, going for a run or just chilling. Positive mental health starts with taking time out, away from the stresses of life and focussing on you. 

“People spend too much of their time thinking about work pressures, relationship drama and updating their Instagram. On World Mental Health Day, put your own mental health first and take a whole hour to yourself.”

Follow the social media campaign and get 17 tips in 5 weeks to improve your mental health wellbeing. Fb: YMCA Mendip, Twitter: @YMCA Mendip and Instagram: YMCA Mendipor contact marketing @mendipymca.org.uk or visit www.whole.org.uk.