A series of events are being held in the Isle of Man to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2017, which runs from 8 – 14 May, in support of the annual campaign led by the UK’s Mental Health Foundation.
Organised on the Island by the Department of Health and Social Care, this year’s theme focusses on the topic of ‘surviving or thriving’ – which seeks to explore mental illness from a different angle: what can be done to support people with mental health problems to thrive rather than just survive.
Research shows that one in four people – a quarter of the population – will experience a mental health problem at some stage. In the Isle of Man that’s over 20,000 people. But everyone is affected by mental health issues to varying degrees, such as day-to-day stress. A range of useful tips to help everyone thrive – whether they identify as having a mental health problem or not – has been developed to support people and help them to be more resilient and proactive in looking after their mental health.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft, said: “We often talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which conjures images of more exercise and healthier eating to improve our physical health. But just as physical health affects us all, so does mental health. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week again gives Government the opportunity to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to improving the mental – not just the physical – health of the people of the Isle of Man.
“The DHSC’s mental health and wellbeing plan, published in 2015, is an integral part of the Department’s five year strategy, and with that the Programme for Government. Mental healthcare is firmly on the agenda and we are making progress, but there remains much work to do.
“We must continue to raise awareness about mental health issues and work towards a society where those with mental ill-health don’t just survive their condition but are supported to thrive as part of our Island’s inclusive and caring community.”
Events on the Island have been structured around the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ – an effective and proven tool designed to help people improve their mental wellbeing by taking simple actions in five areas:
1. Connect
2. Be active
3. Take notice
4. Keep learning
5. Give
Julie Bennion, Specialist in Mental Health Improvement, explained more: “The ‘five ways to wellbeing’ is a simple, proven and effective tool that we have encouraged people to use for a number of years now. To reinforce its usefulness we’ve structured our Mental Health Awareness Week events around this concept. All of our events will help people to connect and take notice, but we also want to incorporate getting people active, keeping them learning, and encouraging them to join in – giving something back and supporting others in the process.
“Events are important, but the awareness week is also about getting the wider community talking about and learning about mental health issues. It’s important that we continue to champion good mental health as well as treat mental ill-health, and in doing so we challenge the stigma that some people still feel surrounds mental health problems.”
The events are free of charge and open to all:
Monday, 8 May 2017
12 noon – 1pm
Lecture Theatre, Keyll Darree, Noble’s Hospital Estate, Strang
Locked Away? An historical account of “Tainted Women?” in The Asylum 1895 - 1922
Local historian and mental health worker, Sarah Christian will talk about a study she made of the Ballamona casebooks. It looks at women who were troublesome and seeks to understand if women were contained for their own good or for the interests of wider society.
Monday, 8 May 2017
1pm – 2pm
Main Sports Hall, National Sports Centre, Douglas
Walking football
To book this free event please contact Amanda Jackson on 642879
Wednesday, 10 May 2017
10am – 3pm
Pit Stop Cafe, Manannan Court, Noble’s Hospital Estate, Strang
Tea and talk
Enjoy a cuppa, cake and chat and find out more about local organisations including:-
• Service Users’ Network
• Ballamona Association for Mental Health
• Alzheimer’s Society
• Manx Decaf
• Samaritans
• CIRCA
Wednesday, 10 May 2017
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Lecture Theatre, Keyll Darree, Noble’s Hospital Estate, Strang
Using writing to help you survive and thrive
Dr Susan Ferry, Consultant Neuropsychologist, presents a summary of background theory on the use of writing for therapeutic purposes. The session will provide an opportunity to participate in writing exercises and think about ways you could use writing as a tool to improve wellbeing.
Wednesday, 10 May 2017
6pm – 9pm
Boards and Brews, 6 Lower Church Street, Douglas
Information about looking after your mental health and mental health problems
Friday, 12 May 2017
12:30 pm – 1:30pm
Main Sports Hall, National Sports Centre, Douglas
5-a-side football
To book this free event please contact Alec Gallagher on 642836 or dhsc.h4l@gov.im
Saturday, 13 May 2017
11am – 6pm
Boards and Brews, 6 Lower Church Street, Douglas
Information about looking after your mental health and mental health problems
