Mental Health Awareness Week 13 – 19 May 2024

History of Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW)

Every year, MHAW provides the opportunity for everyone to focus on good mental health. The Mental Health Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week which first started in 2001 and focused on helping to prevent mental health problems and increase understanding. The week aims to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise their mental health.

Movement is the 2024 theme

This year’s theme is "Movement: Moving more for our mental health" and it will be looking at why being active is important for our mental health. Exercise can have a hugely positive effect on your mental health as it can boost your mood and help you to feel alert and healthy. There are many physical benefits including helping you to keep to a healthy weight, improving your sleep and focus, and keeping muscles strong. In turn, these physical benefits will help to maintain independence and a positive mood.

Finding the time and motivation for exercise can be hard, so the focus is on helping others to find more accessible ways to exercise and how exercise can be built into people’s daily routines. This could be going for walk in your local area or park, following a chair exercise video in your living room, or doing some gardening. Knowing where to access free resources for exercise can be half the battle. Exercise can be based around your interests and your fitness levels. We have rounded up resources to a range of different exercise videos and resources, from chair-based exercises to Pilates, there is something for everyone.

We’re supporting the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness and increase understanding of mental health. We will be sharing blogs from tenants and staff and helpful resources. You can watch our explainer video about mental health and this year’s theme of movement.

Mental Health Awareness Week resources

Mental Health Foundation: About Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation

Mental Health topics: A-Z Topics | Mental Health Foundation

Information and support for mental health: Information and support - Mind

Seeking help: How to seek help for a mental health problem - Mind

Exercise resources

Benefits of exercise: Exercise - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Chair based exercises: exercises that are chair based

Yoga: yoga session

Pilates: Introduction to Pilates - Workout 1 | NHS (youtube.com)

Strength based training: Weight Training for Beginners & Seniors // 20 Minute Workout to Build Strength (youtube.com)

Walking challenge: Get active - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Water aerobics (what is it?): What Is Aqua Aerobics? (youtube.com)