15th–21st May 2023 was Mental Health Awareness Week. The annual campaign is one of the busiest and most exciting weeks in Coventry and Warwickshire Mind’s calendar, and this year was no different! Events took place across all of our services, so let’s take a look at what our staff, volunteers and service users got up to!
Staff and service users at our 24hr nursing facility, St Clair Gardens, organised an outdoor wellbeing event at Coombe Abbey Park. The teams enjoyed a stroll around the park as well as holding a stall to talk to visitors about Coventry and Warwickshire Mind’s services. Our team did their bit for the environment, picking up litter during their walk and were encouraged to wear costumes made from recycled materials.
Our Community Wellbeing Vehicle was also out and about in the community, visiting various locations, encouraging conversations about mental health, and signposting to support in the local area. The vehicle visited Rugby College, the Heart of England Co-Op in Attleborough and the University of Warwick. With more trips scheduled for the future – keep an eye out for details on our website and social channels!
As true as Coventry Blue!
Mental Health Awareness Week is all about reducing stigma around mental health and promoting positive wellbeing.
As part of our campaign, we teamed up with Coventry City Council and Balfour Beatty to light up iconic Coventry landmarks in blue to encourage open and honest conversations. The Whittle Arch, Greyfriars Green and Christchurch all glowed in ‘Mind Blue’ throughout the week, providing a pertinent reminder about the importance of mental health and that Coventry and Warwickshire Mind is always here for support.
Both Wellbeing for Coventry and Safe Haven Warwickshire held open days, providing a safe space for adults to come and take part in activities, socialise with others and chat with our staff teams about how they’re feeling. Safe Haven Warwickshire ran an evening drop-in session with lots of activities on offer to suit everyone. The evening focused on adding to your ‘toolbox’ by learning about strategies and resources to manage your own mental health. The team organised music, craft and games, as well as information looking at self-compassion, hints and tips for wellbeing, and local support services.
Wellbeing for Coventry opened the drop-in hub (below) for a day of activities focusing on the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, anxiety. They also provided refreshments, games and a space to chat with others and socialise. Throughout the week, the team organised different activities designed to reduce anxiety and boost relaxation, including baking, gardening and light exercise. Service users who attended were encouraged to share how they manage their anxiety and were given a goody bag containing stress balls, anxiety tips and journalling materials.
Staff at our Children and Young People’s Service visited supermarkets in Leamington Spa and Nuneaton promoting Mental Health Awareness Week and talking about ways to support your own wellbeing. Both children and adults enjoyed taking part in the craft activities on offer, and they even managed to get their hands on some branded goodies!