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Supporting you: World Mental Health Day

10 Oct 2023

Today (Tuesday, 10 October) is World Mental Health Day - an opportunity to reflect on our own wellbeing, think about how we can support each other and share the support available at our University

World Mental Health Day 2023

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and drive positive change for everyone’s mental health. It is an opportunity to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling.  

The theme for 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.  

Get involved

St John’s Ambulance free to attend webinar ‘Embracing Diversity Webinar: World Mental Health Day 2023’ will discuss mental health as a basic human right in the workplace. 

Stockport Council are organising a variety of events supporting different mental health topics.

Talking about mental health

1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem each year. Talking about mental health helps to reduce the negative stigma and helps to build a safe environment that individuals feel able to talk about mental health and wellbeing. This safe and open environment is essential for the workplace, to allow colleagues to feel able to disclose any existing conditions or difficulties they might be experiencing. 

World Mental Health Day presents an excellent opportunity to make some time to talk about mental health and wellbeing. This can be with colleagues in the workplace, with family or friends. Starting this conversation can be as simple as ‘How are you doing?’. If you know someone has been struggling recently, check-in with them and ask how they are. If you have never spoken about mental health with someone before, ask what they do to help them relax and de-stress.

Tips for talking to someone about their mental health:

  1. Find a good space to talk without distractions: If you’re worried about someone, try to find a place where you know you can have a conversation without being distracted. Make sure to give them your full attention. It might help to switch off your phone.
  2. Listen and ask questions: Listening can be one of the most valuable ways to be there for someone. Show them that you’re actively listening by facing them, making eye contact, and not interrupting. Questions can help you clarify what they mean and also show that you’re actively listening. But make sure the questions are relevant to what they’re saying, and not changing the subject. 
  3. Ask  how you can help:  Ask how you can help or make suggestions, rather than telling them what to do next. They might want support with making a GP appointment, some company and to chat about everyday-life. 

Support

  • Employee Assistance Programme, Health Hero: All colleagues have access to confidential and independent counselling and information service. Support is free and confidential. Call 0800 358 5997 or +44 141 271 7555  (landline alternative for international and/or mobile use) to speak to an advisor. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 
  • Wellbeing at the University: Find out more about wellbeing support, resources, activities and networks via the wellbeing StaffNet pages. 
  • Samaritans: Whatever you're going through, you can call the Samaritans free helpline anytime on 116 123. Find out more about what happens when you call the Samaritans. You can also email the Samaritans via jo@samaritans.org. Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better. Please be aware that it may take several days to get a response by email. 
  • Manchester Mind offer a range of services for people living in Manchester including advice, support and self-care hub.  
  • Andys Man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Groups meet on Mondays at 7pm (except bank holidays). Find your nearest group.

Urgent help 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or looking to signpost someone, the following services are available: 

Important: If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to your closest Accident and Emergency department

  • Samaritans – 24hrs a day, 365 days a year, 116 123
  • SANEline – 4pm – 10pm, 365 days a year, 0300 304 7000
  • Find a local NHS Mental health helpline in England
  • If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it's not an emergency, call 111