2020 won’t be many people’s favourite year. It’s been a tough one for us all. Collectively, as a nation, our mental health has suffered. But if the months of lockdown and loss have taught us anything, it’s that few of us want to go back to exactly the way things were before. We want to change the way our world works. And this World Mental Health Day is all our chance to begin doing that.
- Making positive change isn’t as complicated as many of us think.
- But it can be hard to know where to start.
- So do one thing this World Mental Health Day – start with Oxfordshire Mind.
- We want to bring everyone together to Do One Thing for our mental health – and the mental health of those around us.
- Whether you’re looking to take the first steps towards getting some help, find the best way to reach out to those around you, or campaigning for a fairer world for those of us with mental health problems – now is the time.
Do One Thing Today – start with Oxfordshire Mind.
Do one thing by accessing information and support
The Oxfordshire Mind Information Service is an information and signposting service that can help you find out more about mental health problems, treatment options and where to get help.
Call us on 01865 247788
Email: info@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
Do one thing for your physical wellbeing
Being physically active means sitting down less and moving our bodies more. Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health, either on its own, or in combination with other treatments.
This doesn’t have to mean running marathons or training every day at the gym. There are lots of different things you can do to be a bit more active. For ideas, see our information on choosing an activity. We also have some tips to help you get started, and information about how much activity is healthy.
Do one thing at work
From lockdown, to furlough, to job losses. We’ve all found ourselves under pressure. Lockdown has affected us all in different ways, and it is only normal to feel uncertain about what the future holds. The stress of this uncertainty could be having an impact on your mental health too.
Whatever you’ve been through this year, World Mental Health Day is a chance to make a positive change for the mental health of your workplace. But it can be hard to know where to start sometimes.
Wellness Actions Plans (WAPs) are an easy, practical way of helping you to support your own mental health at work, and if you are a manager, helping you to support the mental health of your team members.
Everyone can complete a WAP, you don’t need to have a mental health problem in order to feel the benefits. It just means that you already have practical steps in place to ensure you are supported when you aren’t feeling great.
Wellness Action Plan Guide for line managers
Wellness Action Plan Guide for line managers is for managers or supervisors who are interested in introducing WAPs to their team members .
Wellness Action Plan Guide for employees
Our Guide for employees is for any member of staff who would like to try a WAP for themselves and introduce the idea of using WAPs to their manager or supervisor
Wellness Action Plan working from home WAP
Our Working from home WAP is designed to support staff with their mental health and wellbeing when working from home
Do one thing and share your story
Sharing your own story is a great way to help others going through similar mental health problems. We’re always looking for current and previous Oxfordshire Mind service users who would be willing to share their story to raise awareness, challenge stigma around mental health, improve services, and give their point of view about the work we do at Oxfordshire Mind.
As an Oxfordshire Mind Expert by Experience you can choose to:
- Give public talks about your experiences in the local community
- Share your story on our website or social media
- Share your expert viewpoint at Oxfordshire Mind workshops
- Be involved in campaigning
- Give talks at Oxfordshire Mind staff training
Don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before – you’ll have an informal interview before getting started where we’ll talk to you about what support you might need. You’ll also receive monthly group supervisions and training, as well receiving an involvement payment and reimbursed travel expenses.
Phone: 07776990311
Email: getinvolved@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
Do one thing volunteer
Volunteering with Oxfordshire Mind can be a really rewarding and useful experience – and there’s probably more ways of doing it than you might think.
Please note that recruitment is on hold for our standard volunteer roles due to the situation with Covid-19. However, you are welcome to send in an application form and we will get in touch once we are recruiting again for these roles
My role as Peer Supporter has helped to rebuild my confidence and assist in my own recovery through sharing lived experiences in a safe and welcoming environment. It has enabled me to accept my mental health illness and to confidently live my life despite the boundaries it may cause. Oxfordshire Mind has made me feel valued and protected within an organisation despite having a mental health condition.
Oxfordshire Mind Peer Supporter