Kindness matters

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, a week which aims to raise awareness of mental health and mental health issues. It comes at a relevant time with experts saying months spent under lockdown due to COVID-19 could have a long-last effect on our mental health. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘kindness’ and looking out for each other. Approximately one on four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Liz Barton-Jones, Head of Sport and Wellbeing at the Foundation of Light said: “We often take it for granted when people say you need to look after yourself, but that has never been more important than right now. We’re all missing our friends, family and colleagues but need to ensure we keep talking and supporting each other.

Here at the Foundation we have a great support network and offer various programmes and services that are available for people of all ages. I would encourage anyone who is having a challenging time at the moment to pick up the phone and talk to someone

Earlier this year in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation, we launched #BeAGameChanger, encouraging people across the region to talk openly about mental health and provide tips on how to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.