Mental Health Awareness Week commencing 14 – 20 May 2018

14-20 May 2018 is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year the focus is on stress and how as individuals we are coping with it.  Stress is a part of life, but how you deal with it can make a huge difference and we should be thinking of our own mental health and what everyone can do to improve it.

While we all know that it is important to look after our physical health, such as through participating in physical activity and eating well, it is also essential that we don’t neglect our mental health. These two are often linked, so it is important for everyone to have a blend of activities which will improve and sustain both physical and mental wellbeing.

Practical positive steps for dealing with stress:

Learn how to relax – taking a break from your hectic life, even a small one, can help stop stress building up;

Eat well – if we are stressed it’s more important than ever to eat well, otherwise it’s like a car running on empty;

Take regular exercise – being active is good for us, so take a stroll, get out with the kids or with friends, or take the dog for a walk

Talk to someone – you don’t have to deal with everything on your own. Talking about your feelings can be the first step to dealing with things;

Work through your problems – taking steps to deal with your problems will make you better able to cope with them.

The Public Health Agency’s booklet ‘Steps to deal with stress’ which includes lots of practical ways of dealing with stress is available by clicking here

If a staff member is developing a mental health problem or who is in mental health crisis and needs support can be sought from Mental Health First Aider or a member of the HR Team and all discussions will be treated with strictest confidence.  Mental health first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.

CAMPUS                      Mental Health First Aider

Ards Campus               Wendy Baird & David Spence

Bangor Campus            Paul Mercer & Elaine Snoddy

Downpatrick Campus    Elaine Bradley & Don Walsh

Lisburn Campus            John Gault

BHSF is offered by the College for staff and the services provided is:

• Telephone counselling support
• Personal legal advice and financial information
• Health advise across a range of medical and wellbeing issues
• Speak in confidence to a third party with anonymity assured
• Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Face to face counselling sessions available if required

Telephone:   0800 0720353 or to access the online portal, visit www.colleaguesupport.co.uk

Mental Health Services in Southern Area

Mental Health Services Belfast Area