World Mental Health Day 2024
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), is “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”.
Employed adults spend more time working than any other activity during their waking hours. Although work can be a source of meaning, purpose, and joy, more employees are experiencing chronic stress that leads to burnout.
Burnout is a gradual process that has far-reaching consequences for individuals and organisations alike, as it can impact productivity, attendance, and overall performance.
This year, the WFMH is calling for collective responsibility to address mental health in the workplace. From employers to employees, executives to managers, we all have a role in educating ourselves and one another to recognise the signs of poor mental health and provide support so that we can create healthier, more resilient workplaces where mental wellbeing is a priority for all.
Mental Health UK has useful resources to spread awareness about burnout and self-care steps.
Where can I get support?
If you are experiencing stress at work or would like support to cope with difficulties and challenges in the workplace, Talking Therapies offer a free and confidential service to help you. To start a referral online, visit the talking therapies website.
You can also find many other resources on the World Mental Health Day 2024 - Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org) website.
The Hub of Hope is a directory of mental health support and services across the UK which enables people to find local support and networks that are relevant to their needs.
How is Healthwatch Westminster addressing mental health?
This year we worked on a project to explore the mental health needs and experiences of Westminster's homeless community, specifically their experiences with or access to primary mental health treatment services. You can read our report here.
This was followed by a co-production event that we hosted in August to elaborate on our findings. We invited homeless individuals, those with lived experience of homelessness and mental health, mental health service providers, and community organisations working with homeless people in Westminster to co-produce further recommendations.
Take part in our new Cost of Living project
We are currently carrying out a joint project with Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea to assess the impact that increases in the cost of living has had on residents’ access to health and care services.
As part of our engagement, we are distributing surveys and holding focus groups to delve into the key issues and barriers that may stop people from affording the healthcare that they need, or being able to attend appointments.
