Take Five to Mark Mental Health Awareness Week

A range of face-to face events and activities are being held next week (9 - 15 May) to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

The theme of this year's awareness week is loneliness.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "The pandemic has had a huge impact on people, particularly when people were unable to see friends and family.

"Our connections with one another and with our communities is vital to good mental health so it's important to raise awareness of loneliness and work together to find solutions to tackle this epidemic.

"Mental Health Awareness Week is the perfect time to reach out to others to help someone who may be feeling lonely which, in turn, might help you feel less lonely too."

South Tyneside Change4Life Health and Wellbeing Champions Network will be holding a Health and Wellbeing Drop In on Monday 9 May between 11:00am and 12:30pm at Cleadon Park Library to launch the week. A number of local organisations will be promoting their services and offering support and advice.

Next Thursday, (12 May) Big Local are organising a range of activities at Jarrow Focus. People are invited to pop along for some soup, a cuppa and cake and try their hand at rug making, watercolours or just enjoy a chat with friends old and new. The activities will run between 1pm and 4pm while a debt, money management and mental health workshop is being held by the group in the same place on Wednesday, 11 May between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Women's Health in South Tyneside offers women a free meal every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm.  Next week, to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, they will be making a meal using ingredients that are better for mental health. These sessions are for women only and places need to be booked through the WHIST reception. 

Councillor Hetherington added: "There are simple steps we can all take to improve our mental health and wellbeing. By connecting with one another, giving, taking notice, continuing to learn and staying active, we can take control of our wellbeing.

"This month is National Walking Month so there couldn't be a better time to get outdoors, take advantage of our beautiful coastline and improve your mental health at the same time."

South Tyneside Lifecycle Primary Care Mental Health Service and Every Mind Matters can both offer support and advice on mental wellbeing. A pack outlining the resources in South Tyneside is available by emailing public.health@southtyneside.gov.uk