A timely World Mental Health Day

Date: Tuesday 6 October 2020
Author: Val Farmer
Title: Chief Executive at Richmond Borough Mind

World Mental Health Day is this Saturday 10 October, and is particularly timely this year. Every one of us has been impacted by this pandemic and what we don’t know yet, is the toll it will take on our collective mental health. The loss of life, the impact of lockdown and loneliness, increased levels of stress or anxiety, and the inevitable recession that lies ahead – this is the reality that is facing us all. 

At Richmond Borough Mind the message is simple: Do One Thing for your mental health and the mental health of those around you.

It could be as simple as following one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing:

• Be active – take a walk, try an online exercise class
• Take notice – look around you, notice the leaves changing
• Learn – a great time of year to start a new course
• Connect – call a friend, organise a virtual coffee break at work
• Give – not just to charities but to each other

However, if you, or someone you know, needs a little more support than this – we are asking you to Do One Thing and call us on 020 3137 9590.

• If you are lonely or just need someone to talk to
• If your son or daughter is suffering from anxiety
• If you are depressed and would like to see a counsellor
• If you are a carer or know of a young carer who needs support.

RB Mind are here for you. You’re not alone.

Over the last few months, the team at RB Mind have been extending all our services, including launching our confidential helpline managed by people trained in mental health.

Prioritising our mental health has never been more critical than it is now.

You can call us:

• Mon to Friday, 11am to 8.30pm
• Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 5pm

Subscribe to our newsletter

RB Mind’s e-newsletter, Mindful Memo, provides the latest news and updates to services and you can subscribe to Mindful Memo here.

Subscribe now

Further support

For more support options available, please visit our mental health support pages.

Other services available to residents include:

• South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
• Richmond and Kingston Safeguarding Partnership
• Good Thinking
• Richmond Wellbeing Service