To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Derby City Council is joining communities and organisations across the country to support better mental health.
Running until Sunday 17 May and led by the Mental Health Foundation, this year’s theme is all about taking action. This includes taking steps to improve your own mental health and taking action to support those around you through something as simple as asking how they are.
In Derby, planning permission and a three-year licence was recently granted to establish a permanent hub for the newly unveiled Oakwood Neighbours’ Shed at a Racecourse Park. Supported by Neighbourhood Officer, Jamie Robinson, the Shed focuses on improving mental health for members of the local community helping people build friendships, learn new skills and improve confidence, while creating opportunities for people to talk openly about mental health. Members learn welding, laser cutting, computer skills and much more.
Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:
Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity to highlight the actions we can all take to support better mental health in our communities, ensuring that people receive help and feel supported.
Whether it’s creating welcoming opportunities such as the Oakwood Neighbours’ Shed, improving access to services, or asking people how they are, even small actions can help us feel better.
No-one should have to face mental health problems alone and it’s important to keep the conversation going. We all have times when we need support, and knowing we’re not alone helps reduce that feeling of isolation.
Andrew Cusick, Chair of the Oakwood Neighbours’ Shed, said:
Oakwood Neighbours' Shed, also known as the Community Craft Hub, will have a powerful impact on improving mental health by simply bringing people together within a welcoming & supportive environment. The Oakwood sheds provide a welcoming space to socialise, share conversation, and learn new skills, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation within Derby.
Encouraging the community to get involved and be part of this exciting journey, friendships can be built along with strengthening connections with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The promotion of good mental health, supporting each other is something we can all be part of.
The Mental Health Foundation lists ten actions to support good mental health, with one of them being getting closer to nature. With Derby having over 375 parks and open spaces, residents don’t have to travel far to relax, reduce stress and boost their mood. From England’s oldest park, the Arboretum, to the stunning views across the Derwent Valley from Allestree Park on the outskirts, a green space is accessible for all residents in their local communities.
More information on Derby’s green spaces can be found on the Derby Parks website. The website also includes upcoming outdoor events and a list of things to do in local parks.
In Derby and Derbyshire, the 24/7 Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service is available through NHS 111 by selecting the mental health option (option 2). The service provides urgent support for residents, ensuring that they can quickly access advice and help when they need it most.
More information about Mental Health Awareness Week is available on the Mental Health Foundation’s website.
Information about Oakwood Neighbours' Shed can be found on the website.
To find out more about local services, visit the Council’s website.