World Mental Health Day is celebrated each year on 10 October to raise awareness and drive positive change for everyone’s mental health. The theme this year is ‘mental health is a universal human right’.

Mental health is the single largest cause of disability in the UK, with 66% of adults in England having a mental health problem. Research has found that in England, up to 10 million people will need either new or additional mental health support as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic (NHS Better Help, Every Mind Matters).

Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults’ Social Care, said: “This World Mental Health Day I encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental to health to reach out and discover the range of help available in Royal Greenwich.  

“Life can throw a lot at us, but there’s always help out there; Every Mind Matters provides support on how to deal with major life challenges such as money worries, work related stress and loneliness. Greenwich Time to Talk provides residents with free counselling to help with bereavement, depression, adjusting to major life changes and past trauma.” 

There are lots of free resources available

• Visit Every Mind Matters for a range of free resources including articles on self-help CBT techniques, how to get more active for your mental health, and support on how to help others who are struggling. You can sign up for anxiety-easing emails which deliver expert advice and practical tips to your inbox.

• Take the NHS Your Mind Plan quiz, which will provide you with personalised tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control.

• Good Thinking provides a range of resources to help Londoners improve their mental wellbeing, including free NHS-approved apps, blogs and personal stories, podcasts, webinars and clinically validated self-assessments.

• The NHS’s Greenwich Time to Talk offers Royal Greenwich residents short-term, focused counselling in eight sessions.

Small positive steps to improve mental health and wellbeing 

There are also some small positive steps which you can take to improve your mental health. Doing one small thing every day can help you feel a lot better:

1. Be physically active – Royal Greenwich is home to a fantastic selection of leisure centres, you can get some great discounts on swimming, exercise classes and sports facilities with your Greenwich One Card. Greenwich Get Active has some great advice and suggestions on how to become more active.
2. Manage feelings with CBT
3. Talk to someone you trust – Talk to a friend or family member about how you are feeling. If you would like to speak to someone confidentially, you can call the Samaritans’ 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
4. Get the most from your sleep
5. Get closer to nature – Royal Greenwich is home to some beautiful parks and open spaces, taking a walk in the fresh air can do wonders to clear your head.
6. Plan something nice to look forward to – whether it’s coffee with a friend, or having a night in watching your favourite film, find time to plan something positive to look ahead to. Why not look at the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s event calendar? 

Find out more about looking after your mental health and wellbeing at Live Well Greenwich.