Make a positive change for World Mental Health Day

9 October 2020

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic makes this year’s World Mental Health Day tomorrow (10 October) the most important one yet.

So Police Mutual is encouraging Federation members to use the day as an opportunity to take the first step to improving their own, or someone else’s, mental wellbeing. It has also produced a mental health fact sheet to coincide with the day.

It has tips and ideas on how to make positive changes to improve mental health and suggests members make the best they can of the ‘new normal’ by creating their own routines of enjoyable activities, whatever they may be, and spending time looking after their own physical and mental wellbeing.

The factsheet also includes links to support organisations such as Mind and Anxiety UK and details about the Police Mutual Health Assured app. 

Ross Hume, relationship manager at Police Mutual, said: “Coronavirus has brought changes, challenges and worries for us all and the impact of months of lockdown and loss cannot be underestimated. But front-line key workers have been at the cold face of this pandemic so the need for mental health and psychological support for many of them is expected to increase in the coming months and years.

“We already know that emergency services workers are twice as likely as the public to identify issues at work as the main cause of their mental health problems, but they are also significantly less likely to seek help.”

He added that he hoped as many members as possible would take the time tomorrow to show their support for better mental health.

“Making a positive change for your own, or someone else’s mental health, is more important now than ever before. So whatever you’ve been through this year, World Mental Health Day is a chance to make that positive change,” said Ross.

“It is difficult to know where to start so do just one thing tomorrow, whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative. Take the first step to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else. Take the opportunity to do one thing this World Mental Health Day.”

Read the factsheet.