Campaign highlights importance of looking after mental health every day

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is launching a week-long campaign to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, encouraging people to look after their mental health in the same way they look after their physical health.

Running throughout the week, the campaign will highlight the support available for adults, children and young people across Kent and Medway. Senior nurses from across the trust will lead conversations on a range of mental health topics, helping to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it.

The campaign message is simple:
“We take care of our physical health every day, this Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re reminding you to take care of your mental health too.”

The trust wants to help normalise conversations around mental health and remind people that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Throughout the week the campaign will reinforce that support is available for people of all ages. Senior nursing leaders will speak about the importance of mental wellbeing in everyday life, including the pressures many people face at home, school and work. Content will also focus on support for children and young people, the importance of small daily actions, and the hope and recovery that mental health support can bring.

Julie Kirby, Acting Chief Nurse at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said:
“People often feel comfortable asking for help with their physical health, but mental health can still be harder to talk about. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want people to know they are not alone and support is here.

“Every day, our teams support children, young people and adults across Kent and Medway, helping people feel listened to, supported and hopeful. Looking after your mental health matters just as much as looking after your physical health.

“This campaign is about encouraging people to take small steps every day to support their mental wellbeing, whether that is talking to someone they trust, taking time to rest, connecting with others or asking for help when they need it.

“Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity to start conversations, but caring for our mental health is something that matters every day of the year.”

The trust will be sharing campaign content across its channels throughout the week using the hashtags #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and #YouAreNotAlone.

For more information about local mental health support services, visit our information and advice pages. For adults, please visit information and advice and for children and younger people visit our children and young people’s mental health service page.