This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, a time where we can all reflect on our wellbeing. Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. We can maintain positive mental health by getting professional help when we need it, connecting with others, staying positive, getting physically active, helping others, practising mindfulness, and building resilience.
The past year has not been easy. So many have been feeling lonely, isolated, stressed or anxious because of the pandemic. It has been more important than ever to keep in touch with friends and family and talk about any problems we may be facing.
I recently met the Chief Executive of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Nick Broughton who oversees the delivery of our mental health services across the county. Dr Broughton acknowledged that demand for support was already rising pre-pandemic and has now skyrocketed. He told me that lots of work is being carried out to improve the way mental health is approached and there are plans to invest in better support facilities. Mental health support teams are also being launched to visit schools in response to rising demands from young people for support.
The theme for this year’s Awareness Week is ‘nature’ – something fitting, after a year where many of us have spent more time indoors. Just a few weeks ago I responded to a Westminster Hall debate about the importance of nature on our wellbeing. As I said:
“We all know that access to nature can be hugely beneficial not only for physical health but for mental health, with studies showing that people who visit nature regularly feel their lives to be more worthwhile. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of nature, as the Department for Health and Social Care recognised in its recent covid-19 mental health and wellbeing recovery action plan.”
I hope that all my constituents feel able to get out and about to enjoy the beautiful countryside we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep here in North Oxfordshire during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond.
If you are experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, the following organisations are here to help.
Oxfordshire Mind - Telephone: 01865 247788 / Website: https://www.oxmindguide.org.uk/.
Samaritans - Telephone: 116 123 / Email: [email protected].
Banbury Safe Haven - Telephone: 01295 270004 or 07851 246546.
Papyrus – Telephone: 0800 068 4141 / Email: [email protected].
CALM - Telephone: 0800 585858.
NHS Every Mind Matters - Website: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/mental-wellbeing-while-staying-at-home/.
