mental health awareness week

The Council and local health partners are encouraging Hackney residents to take 5 simple steps every day this week to improve their mental health and wellbeing, during Mental Health Awareness Week (10 May- 16 May). 

This year's theme is nature. Studies have shown that getting out in nature can improve our mood, reduce stress, and help our concentration. As the weather gets warmer and COVID-19 restrictions lift, we’re going to have the opportunity to see friends and family that we’ve dearly missed, enjoy leisure activities again and explore places further away from home. 

MIND is organizing a walk this week in Hackney to celebrate mental health and nature, sign up for the Tuesday walk here. Or download a self-guided Hackney walk for your local area. 

The council is also promoting the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ everyday this week on its social media channels- five steps may make people feel happier, more positive and able to get the most from life. The five things that can help to boost mental wellbeing are: connecting, being active; taking notice, to keep learning and to give back.

Connect – With people at home, at work, school or in your local community. Building connections will support you.

Be Active – Go for a walk, cycle or garden, find a physical activity you enjoy and that suits you and your level of fitness.

Take Notice – Be curious of what is taking place around you, take time to remember the little things that make you happy.

Keep Learning – Try new things like signing up for a cooking course or a new exercise class. Learning new things can increase your confidence.

Give– Volunteer or join a community group. Volunteering can be very rewarding, boosts your mood and can increase wellbeing.