News

At the end of #Mental Health Awareness week, where the theme this year was “Take Action”, we want to take a moment to reflect and celebrate our Inspiring Minds members- past and present- who are taking small but significant steps with us to help improve their wellbeing. Each class attended, each interaction with a peer, tutor, reception staff or mentor, each new skill explored and developed, each volunteering hour given, each barrier or hurdle (like leaving the house) overcome, gives a new opportunity for increased confidence and resilience. Using the 5 Ways to Wellbeing as a guide, members also create their own plans, with support from our mentors, on what they can do outside of our programme to Take Action.

Across our other programmes too, we see how these simple principles can support people to Take Action on improving their own mental health. Our teams know the power of engaging with local community activities and the positive impact this can have for people experiencing social isolation, anxiety and depression. Our staff in Wellbeing Matters, the Salford Neighbourhood Mental Health team and the Listening Lounge Salford all know how introducing their clients to the many community offers across Salford can help create the support network people need to thrive. These teams also know how important it is for people to feel heard, understood and valued and are proud to work alongside our many partners to deliver the best care they can to help people feel less alone and able to access the support they need.

No system or culture is perfect and, as a society, we have a long way to go in order to make sure that no one is left feeling alone. But today we celebrate what we do have; a growing awareness that it’s ok not to be ok, that places like the Salford Listening Lounge or Helplines are there for when people do feel overwhelmed and that welcoming, safe spaces and services in our communities do exist for people to receive longer term support. Whatever your next step is on your own journey, we hope that you know you are not alone and that if you do need help to find the support you need to take action, you know where to turn. For information on services we deliver ourselves or in partnership that may help you see: Crisis Care, Wellbeing Matters, Inspiring Minds, Neighbourhood Mental Health Services