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World Mental Health Day 2024
World Mental Health Day is a time to reflect on our mental health. It takes place on 10th October every year. This year's theme is Workplace Mental Health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations and communities. World Mental Health Day is a reminder to talk about your mental health, although starting the conversation isn't always easy.
Today is an important reminder to talk about our Mental Health, remember to have this conversation all year round, not just today.
We have gathered some tips from various resources for you to help manage your mental health in the workplace and in your day to day life.
- Take regular breaks.
- Use technology to remind us: set an alarm to help you pause during the day, use free apps such as 'Unmind' or 'Headspace'.
- At the beginning of your day or week, schedule in your breaks or rest just as you'd schedule meetings and tasks. Think of it as making appointments with and for yourself.
- Ask a colleague to join you for lunch. Talk about non-work things.
- Balance work / home life – have things to look forward to that bring joy and meaning
- Good routines with eating, drinking, sleep, gentle exercise.
The Mental Health Foundation have written an article about keeping a good work-life balance https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/work-life-balance
How can I support a colleague with their mental health?
Talking about mental health can seem daunting, but we've all had conversations with people about bereavements, breakups and other life events. They're not always easy conversations, but they often mean a lot to a person having a tough time and can make a big difference to how they are feeling.
It all starts with asking someone how they are doing in a warm and authentic way – giving them a chance to realise that you are being sincere and friendly.
Try looking through the 10 evidence-based ways to improve your mental health below. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-support-mental-health-work
Accessing Support in the Black Country
Through the NHS Black Country Healthcare there are many services you can reach out to, through self-referral or through your GP.
- Talking Therapies https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/talking-therapies
- Lets Talk, Black Country Job Support https://www.blackcountryjobsupport.com/
- Just Straight Talk https://juststraighttalk.org/
The Sanctuary Hub, Rethink Mental Illness, have locations open to anyone who needs support
- 6pm – 11pm Monday to Friday
- 12pm – 11pm Saturday and Sunday
- Dudley - DY1 Community Centre, Stafford Street, Dudley, DY1 1SA
- Sandwell - Hope Place, 321 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8LU
- Walsall - 1 Queen's Parade, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 2EX
- Wolverhampton - 84 Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0SR
National Services
- MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/
- SAMARITANS, 24 Hour a day Helpline 116 123
We hope you find this helpful, We encourage you to speak to someone you know about your mental health, whether that is a friend, partner, family member or colleague.
The RC Team
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The Recovery College is an educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal difficulties with, mental health.
All of our sessions are created with people who have lived experience of challenges with their own mental health along with carers and healthcare professionals.
You do not need any formal qualifications or experience to attend the college. All of our courses are free of charge and open to anyone, aged 18 and over.
If you would like to enrol with us here at The Recovery College, email
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