With anxiety disorders and money worries rising, Kent and Medway’s councils, health services and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations are joining together this Mental Health Awareness Week (15 to 21 May 2023) to remind residents of the local help on hand, alongside advice for being kind to our minds.
NHS Kent and Medway is distributing to schools, libraries, GP practices and pharmacies a range of pocket-sized information cards to signpost people of all ages to mental health support in Kent and Medway.
Dr Kate Langford, NHS Kent and Medway Medical Director, said: “There are many small things that we can all do on daily basis - being more active, enjoying the outdoors – to help our ability to deal with anxiety and stress and be kind to our minds.”
“Information about services and support is available online on our Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub but we found that people really like something that’s printed that they can keep handy in their purse or wallet.
“The new range of z-cards includes one for children and young people, one for adults and a larger-sized booklet about services for people living with memory loss.
Kent County Council (KCC) Director of Public Health Dr Anjan Ghosh said: “Exams, getting married or divorced, becoming a carer, experiencing memory loss or money worries …we all get anxious to varying degrees sometimes.
“But when feelings of anxiety become overwhelming, it’s not helpful to think of it as ‘just’ worry or stress and ignore it in the hope it will go away.
“Fortunately, there are things that we can do to protect our mental health, like moving more.
“And remember you are not alone. Opening up about what is happening to you to someone you trust can be a crucial first step in getting back in control. Just pick up the phone, or go online, to find local support, or link in with one of the fantastic community groups that exist across the county.”
James Williams, Medway Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Now more than ever it is vital to take the time to be aware of and look after our mental health.
“It is important for people to know they are not alone and there is support on offer if it is needed.
“There are amazing resources available, including the Five Ways to Wellbeing initiative, which can help people transform their wellbeing by incorporating small changes to their routines.”
Live Well Kent and Medway's Julia Hargreaves said: “It can be difficult to know where to turn when you feel anxious and overwhelmed, but Live Well Kent & Medway is here so people do not have to do this alone.
“We know that the rising cost of living is affecting many people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. That’s why finding solutions for problems such as financial insecurity, debt, difficulties with benefits or worries about housing is so important, as well as providing support that can help you manage feelings of anxiety and worry.
“We’re here to listen, help make sense of the situation, and develop plans to help people better manage their mental health – both now and in the future.”