Demand for support for individuals suffering with acute mental health conditions during lockdown has jumped by 23% in Devon in the last month, according to new figures released during Mental Health Awareness Week by Exeter-based mental health support service, Independent Living West Country.
The business, which was set up following the withdrawal of MIND in the region in 2018, has seen a dramatic rise in the number of clients being referred by Devon County Council, which has responsibility for the care of some of the county’s most vulnerable individuals once they leave the direct...
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week [w/c 18 May] is kindness. At this time of upheaval where our worlds have been turned upside down, acts of kindness now are more important than ever. Here, former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of leading education resources and lesson planning experts PlanBee has ten tips for parents to improve the mental health of their children
Create a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and safe
Even during lockdown, we need connection with others so that we feel valued and safe. While the need...
Three qualified mental health first aiders at Pennon Water Services have picked up a top award from their parent company, Pennon Group plc.
Samantha Hamilton-Welsh, Lorna Harrington and Damon Jones devised and implemented a mental health programme for Pennon Water Services (PWS).
They formed a Mental Health First Aid team, now branded as the 'Wellbeing Campaign', which focused on rolling out initiatives to promote and support the overall wellbeing of all PWS staff.
The trio have now been presented with a Chief Executive HomeSafe award for the PWS business in...
January can often bring about a post-festive slump, so throughout the month an Exeter marketing company is sharing stories about mental health and wellbeing from inspiring professionals.
From England rugby player and Exeter Chiefs team member Alec Hepburn to Polar explorer and world record holder Ann Daniels, well-known people will be among those sharing their personal experiences of mental health issues and their wellbeing tips.
The campaign is part of Chalk + Ward’s commitment to the Time to Change pledge, which is run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. Time to...
“I should have mentioned it before, my Mum, she, last year, she passed”.
James is suffocated by his past. Heather is focusing on the nursery. Based on true events, this is one couple’s journey through bereavement, love, grief, pregnancy, superheroes and enforced pen maintenance. It deals with the importance of talking about how you feel and not letting your past determine your future. From award nominated Sheepish Productions, this is an intimate and gripping story about life and death, developed in association with Cruse Bereavement Care.
Training new facilitators to help tackle suicides in young people was the theme of a recent workshop delivered by Lifeline Workshops Inc, developers of The ASK Workshop: Assessing for Suicide in Kids. This comes at the same time as the government announces more to be done to tackle mental health and suicide, including training for teachers, university staff and NHS staff.
The workshop was hosted by Action to Prevent Suicide CIC and aimed at training practitioners drawn from different sectors including teaching, children’s therapeutic work, suicide prevention and bereavement and...
Relax Kids aims to give children access to a variety of simple, yet effective techniques for relaxation, mindfulness and stress management that are developed and delivered in a fun and creative way.
The location and size of urban trees plays an important role in providinghealth and wellbeing benefits, according to a new study by Exeter University. Using National Tree Mapdata, created by aerial mapping company Bluesky, the study assessed the role of 600,000 individual trees in providing nature experiences. Those trees that are experienced by more people, more frequently, have the potential to provide greater health and wellbeing benefits.
With urbanisation emerging as one of the most important human health issues of the 21st century, the study concluded the contribution of...
A new book aiming to help people who struggle with their mental health is now being crowdfunded. Riding the Storms is a compilation of stories, poems, photography and artwork created by people who are reflecting on, and even embracing, the pain of their mental suffering.
This book has been made possible through the support of Recovery Devon, but has been developed and driven by writers and artists passionate about its importance.
Recovery Devon, a community interest company supported by Devon Partnership NHS Trust, aims to give a greater say in their own recovery to people...
Exeter based Digital Marketing agency Optix Solutions has joined other businesses in the south-west in signing up to become a Mindful Employer. The agency, which is based in Marsh Barton, signed the Mindful Employer charter this summer as part of efforts to improve the support for members of staff who may be experiencing issues with mental health.
The Mindful Employer charter is an NHS initiative run by Workways, a service of Devon Partnership NHS Trust. It aims to help employers to offer more support to employees suffering from mental health issues as well as implementing best...
