With World Mental Health Day falling on the 10th October, we wanted to take the opportunity to have a week long focus on mental health across all of our centres, tying in with this year’s theme of ‘workplace mental health’. World Mental Health Day is about coming together to talk about mental health and showing everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs and with so many of our students undertaking work experience and preparing for life in the world of work, this year’s theme really resonated. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities so we wanted to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing with our colleagues too.
Staff and students have been involved in a number of activities this week. Our hydration stations are back because we know how important staying hydrated is to thinking clearly. And staff have been creating affirmation posters for each student as a way of reminding them of all the incredible qualities they possess. Each student has then been gifted a small laminated poster that shares all their attributes, talents and qualities should they ever need a reminder of their value and worth.
Throughout the week we’ve been looking for opportunities to prioritise self care and highlight all the different ways you can look after your mental health, from breathing and grounding techniques to exercise and communication.
We finished the week with everyone coming together for coffee, cake and chat. At Cannamore, staff were encouraged to try skipping too after the students had left which did wonders for boosting mood, energy and enjoyment!
For World Mental Health Day 2024 students and staff at the Lighthouse learnt about strategies that can help achieve mental wellbeing. We also considered how to use words to name emotions and were challenged to write positive thoughts and compliments about other members of our Lighthouse family. Students and staff met for ‘tea and talk’ enjoying a range of refreshments together.
