This article was published on Thu 25 Aug 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

21 September 2022

National Fitness Day 2022 will take place on Wednesday 21st September and is a chance to highlight the role physical activity plays across the UK, helping raise awareness of how our fitness levels assist us in leading healthier lifestyles through being physical active. For more details click here.

Physical exercise can help to build your self-esteem as well as reduce anxiety and improve your mood. When you exercise, your brains release endorphins which help to make us feel energised, happier, and less stressed. This could be as simple as a walk, dancing around the kitchen or even some gardening.

Our physical and mental health and undeniably linked, so it’s important to stay active.

To stay healthy, adults should try to be active every day and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week or 10,000 steps per day through a variety of activities. If you would like to improve your fitness level, then you may need to increase this amount and also include some stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine. For any type of activity to benefit your health, you need to be moving quick enough to raise your heart rate, breathe faster and feel warmer.

If you are concerned about your health in any way always consult your doctor before starting exercise.

You don’t need to be at the gym seven days a week to improve your mood. Here are some ideas to help you incorporate workouts into your daily life:

Don’t do it alone – If you’re committed to doing exercise with a friend, you’re less likely to back out. Try an exercise class, dance or yoga with a friend. This has the added benefit of keeping connected with people. Maybe spend some time learning a new form of exercise, like Pilates or belly dancing.

Enjoy it – Most importantly, you need to discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness. If the exercise you choose is enjoyable you are more likely to stick with it. This could be an HIIT class or Pilates, cycling around the local area, a walk in the countryside or gardening in the back garden. There are so many different ways of exercising you just need to find the one that works for the time you have and that you enjoy.

Go outdoors – Fresh air, natural light and exercise combined are great for our mental health. Whatever the weather it’s great to get outside, it may be for a quick stroll around the block or a longer walk with the dog. You could also invite a friend for a catch up.

Set yourself a challenge – Give yourself a goal to work towards, start small and get bigger as you get more confident and fitter. This could just be to go for a walk every day and could then evolve to walk 10 miles a week or 1,000 miles a year. You could even try the NHS couch to 5k challenge, for more details click here.

Log it – In order to monitor your progress, keep a record of your workouts. This could include the time and distance of your walk, run, ride or workout, but you may also want to include how you feel, in order to track your mood.

It’s common knowledge that a good night’s sleep makes us feel better.

An average of 8 hours will replenish all of our energy stores. What’s more, this downtime helps protects us from infection, providing a shield for our immune system.

If you are struggling to sleep, read our guide here.

Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. So, it’s important to take care of your mind as well as your body.

Click here to read our mental health guide.

As well as looking after physical and mental health it’s also important to look after your financial wellbeing.

Worrying about money can be extremely stressful and may lead to poor mental health, relationships problems, people to lose homes and families to break down. People from all walks of life can end up in debt for many different reasons, divorce, redundancy, ill health, bereavement. It’s not always easy to talk about money worries but if you’re struggling financially, it’s important to take action.

Police Mutual are here to help. We want to break down the stigma surrounding debt and get people talking about money.

We’ve teamed up with PayPlan*, one of the UK’s leading free debt advice providers, who offer free and confidential advice to anyone in serious financial difficulties.

They’re able to advise you on a range of debt solutions suited to your individual circumstances, helping to protect you and your family with a sustainable way to manage your debt.

Get free and confidential help to combat your debt, call PayPlan* on 0800 197 8433.

*PayPlan is a trading name of Totemic Limited. Totemic Limited is a limited company registered in England, Company Number: 2789854. Registered Office: Kempton House, Dysart Road, PO Box 9562, Grantham, NG31 0EA. Totemic Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Conduct Authority Number: 681263.

This article was published on Wed 24 Aug 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

6-11 September 2022

Know Your Numbers Week encourages people to get their blood pressure tested. Many people have high blood pressure without knowing it which can cause other health problems.  As well as understanding your blood pressure, it’s also important to understand your cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index.

The more you know about these key health numbers the more you can do to take steps to look after yourself and lead a long and healthy life.

This guide will provide you with some self‑tests that you can do yourself at home and also information on how to improve your overall wellbeing.

Your weight

The vast majority of people will know if they are carrying too much weight or not. If you don’t own a set of scales, then you can use the waist to hip ratio. All you need to do is measure your hip at the widest point and your waist at just above the belly button. Then what you do is divide your waist size by your hip size.

• A ration of 0.95 or below for men is good and 0.80 and below for women.
• 1.0 or higher for men and 0.85 or higher for women is greater risk of poor health.

 Alternatively, you can just measure your waist:

• The ideal waist size is 35 inches for men and 32.5 inches for women.
• A waist size for men of 40 inches (102cm) and 35 inches (88cm) for women increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease significantly.

Waist size is important because it’s all about where you store your fat. If you store your fat around the waist then its sitting around your vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, which will increase the chance of diabetes and cholesterol.

Blood pressure

You can get your blood pressure checked with your GP or you can buy your own machine for around £20 to £30. Your heart responds to virtually everything that happens in your body, and you can learn a lot from blood pressure by analysing the readings. Although the most common way is to look at the actual level of the diastolic and systolic readings e.g., 120/80 the other useful analysis is to look at the pulse pressure difference which is the difference between the higher and lower figures.

If the difference is continually above 60 e.g., 140/80 – then it could be an indicator of arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The reason being that the arteries are having to expand too far and if they do that continually they lose their elasticity.

If you don’t have a blood pressure machine, you can simply do pulse testing either manually yourself by counting the number beats from the pulse (against your neck or inside your wrist) or through a free app on your phone.

Your pulse is an important test and it’s a good idea to get to understand your pulse. A healthy person should have a resting pulse rate of between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

However, it is possible to have a resting pulse rate as low as 35 if you are extremely fit. If you are not extremely fit and regularly have a heart rate outside of 60-100 beats per minute then you should visit your G.P.

When you understand your average pulse rate, and for example you know that your pulse is regularly in the low 60’s and all of a sudden, its 85 – then unless you know why it’s changed so radically (85 over the course of 3 days) then again it may be worth calling your G.P.

If you are taking your pulse manually you will start to understand how it feels and if it feels irregular then again, it’s something that you might raise with your G.P.

One of the causes of high pulse pressure can be stress and it can be improved by doing relaxation breathing exercises.

The other home test you can do, is a urine test, urine analysis sticks can easily be purchased from the chemist.

They are easy to use and can tell you a host of information, particularly around blood glucose, testing for diabetes but also kidney and liver issues. It’s important not to misinterpret the results and to take tests over a period of a few days to ensure that the issue wasn’t just something passing through for example a cold or virus.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure that you are drinking plenty of water and keeping hydrated. A lot of kidney and liver issues are due to dehydration skewing the results.

Cancer self-tests

Everyone should be checking their skin regularly for changes to moles and spots that don’t appear to heal. We should all be checking our breasts, testicles, armpits, neck, and groin for lumps.

It’s recommended that you keep a record of your checking and in the case of skin checks don’t be afraid to take photo’s so that you have got something to refer back to in the future to assess changes.

Additionally, other symptoms to look out for are blood in the urine and stool, regular pain in the kidneys and stomach without any apparent reason and increased need to go to the toilet at night when you haven’t been drinking excessively.

If you are worried about anything then ensure you make an appointment to see your GP.

How to stay healthy

Exercise is the key, if you don’t like exercise or don’t have a lot of time, then try high intensity training.

For example, use an exercise bike for 10 minutes every day, within this 10 mins, do 30 seconds of sprinting followed by 30 seconds of relaxing riding.

You could also do the same thing by sprinting and walking between lamp posts or on a step box. Or do weight bearing exercise in the same way, using quite light weights, but fast reps.

Weight bearing exercise is important because you lose about 1% of muscle every year over the age of 40. Muscle speeds us metabolism and metabolism burns fat.

High intensity exercise was designed by Dr Tabata and research shows that it is a form of exercise that is very good at reducing blood sugar and therefore avoiding diabetes.

Another big reason for increasing exercise is to do with stress. Exercise can work as a distraction for your brain constantly either thinking about work or other issues. Exercise helps people to switch off.

As well as exercise, it’s also important to relax. Mindfulness is great to help you switch off, as many people struggle to do this on their own, apps such as Headspace and Thrive tend to help focus the mind.

Relaxation techniques are not just about the brain they also really help the heart. Reading is also a great way to relax, it can help distract the brain from more stressful issues.

Nutrition

Nutrition is now more important than ever, having a balanced diet help ensure we have the correct nutrients. Dark green leafy vegetables and colourful fruits and especially fruits with red in them are can really make a difference. These will ensure you get vitamin C, vitamin D and Zinc on board.

It’s also important to reduce the amount of processed fats you eat, as these types of fat stick around your waste and increase issues such as heart disease. These types of fats are found in many take-aways. 

Water is massively undervalued, every organ in the body needs hydrating, water is needed in order for the fat burning process to work, depending on your size and how much exercise you are doing, you need to drink 2-3 litres per day.

Our bodies were not designed to sit down on chairs, sitting down as much as we do fundamentally squash’s our skeleton, which can lead to musculoskeletal problems.

What we need to do is move more, the HSE recommend a 10-minute movement break from sitting down every hour. The key is to try to introduce movement into the daily routine e.g., take all telephone calls standing up where you can and taking a break for lunch away from the desk and go for a walk.

For more information read our Healthy Eating guide here.

Boosting your immune system

Having a strong immune system is important in order to be able to fight off a variety of illnesses and infections. In order to increase the ability to produce antibodies and ensure that your T-cell levels (lymphocytes) are not reduced you can:

• Increase your level of vitamin D – spend time outside, drink fortified milk, eat fortified cereal, salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
• Increase your level of vitamin C – eat plenty of citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges, Red Bell Peppers (3 times the vit C of an orange), Broccoli, Garlic, Ginger, Spinach, Yoghurt, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Turmeric, Green Tea, Papaya, Kiwi, Poultry, Shellfish (it’s important to take vit C daily because your body can’t store it).
• Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, as it damages the immune system.
• Ensure you relax, exercise, and have good quality sleep as all of these boost the immune system.
• Take an immune busting vitamin tablet every day.

Sleep

Many people use their mobile phones for alarms and look at them right up until we turn the lights off, without giving their minds time to start to relax. Before going to sleep it’s important to be as relaxed as possible, the room to be dark and for it to be the right temperature.

It’s also important to have coping skills on how to relax your minds if you do wake up in the middle of the night, in order to maximise the relaxation of the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.

For more information read our Sleep guide here.

This article was published on Thu 30 Jun 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

International Day of Friendship is a day to appreciate and promote friendships from all backgrounds. It is celebrated across the globe on July 30, 2022, the day promotes the idea that friendships between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace and build bridges between those communities.

It was introduced in 2011 as a UN initiative to reject poverty, violence, and human rights abuse and to promote peace, security, and social harmony. For more details click here.

Friendship requires empathy, compassion, and concern for other people. By valuing and celebrating friendship, we develop these characteristics ourselves and adopt a more selfless and grateful outlook on life.

Why are friendships important?

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. One of which is to connect with others.

Connecting with the people around you, your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours are key to your overall wellbeing. These relationships will support and enrich you.

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth, give you an opportunity to share positive experiences and provide emotional support and allow you to support others.

For more details on the 5 steps to wellbeing click here.

There are many benefits of friendships – there is a distinct connection between wellbeing and friendship, in simple terms good friends are good for your health. They help you celebrate the successes in your life, as well as providing a listening ear and support network when you experience lows or in times of need.

Maintaining significant relationships in our lives brings numerous health benefits, such as increasing our self-esteem and confidence, reducing our stress levels, and boosting our sense of purpose and belonging.

As well as the wellbeing benefits that friendships bring, our friends help us become more well-rounded individuals. For example, through our relationships with others we learn about different cultures, beliefs, and languages.

As our lives progress, many of us find it difficult to develop new friendships. This is often because of new priorities that require our focus and attention, such as work, childcare, or carer responsibilities. In addition, your long-lasting friendships might become strained due to you relocating to a new community or simply because of changes in your lives and interests. The result of which can have negative effect on your mental health and wellbeing.

How to celebrate International Day of Friendship

• Find out about other cultures: The world is getting smaller and smaller. The population is growing yet we can all communicate with each other instantaneously. This is a great thing as we have access to so much knowledge at our fingertips and can chat with people from different cultures as easily as we can chat to the person in the next room.
• Spend time with friends and family: In our busy lives, we often forget to pause and reach out to those who are closest to us. Take some time on this day to do this. If you can’t see a friend, ring them up for a chat or reach out to someone who you’ve not spoken to for a while.
• Use this day of Friendship to slow down a little and catch up with the friends and family you maybe neglect a little with your busy schedule: Get together, either virtually or in real life to enjoy each other’s company. By making this time to be social, you’ll strengthen the bonds that hold your friendships together, and make a positive difference to the lives of people who care about you.

This article was published on Thu 30 Jun 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

24 July 2022

Every year in July, Samaritans branches in the UK and Republic of Ireland hold local events to raise awareness of Samaritans, who are here to listen to anyone who’s struggling to cope, at any time of the day or night.

Samaritans are encouraging people to become better listeners.  Samaritans Awareness Day on 24 July is a great time to start and pledge to become a better listener. Click here for more details.

Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health.

Mental health problems affect around one in four people in any given year*. They range from common problems, such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Like adults, the emotional wellbeing of children and young people is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health will allow them to develop the resilience to cope with life’s ups and downs and to grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.

For more details on supporting your children, read our Children’s mental health guide here.

It is important that we all as individuals do what we can to look after ourselves and each other.

You may also have concerns about how others are coping.

Starting a conversation with someone around their mental health can feel daunting. You may be worried that you will say the wrong thing but remember saying nothing is far worse.

The more conversations we have about mental health the more barriers we can break down and the closer we’ll come to ending mental health stigma and discrimination.

Here are some tips on helping others:

• Ask others how they are feeling.
• Ask someone twice how they are feeling, this will give them the opportunity to be honest and to realise that you genuinely want to know.
• Listen and don’t judge, it’s great that people are happy to talk to you about how they are feeling, so ensure you really listen to them.
• Ask how long they have felt this way. Ask if there is anything you can do to help.
• Ask what support they need. Provide them with details of professional organisations, who may be able to help.
• Treat them in the same way, don’t change the way you act towards someone once you are aware of their poor mental health.
• Little gestures can have a big impact, this may be just meeting for a cuppa or going for a walk together.

Becoming a better listener can help you support loved ones who may be struggling to cope. You could help your loved ones talk about how they’re feeling by improving the way you listen. It can also help improve your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Here are some tips on becoming a better listener.

Listen without being distracted – choose a suitable setting for the conversation and ensure you have plenty of time. Reduce distractions, by putting your phone away and focusing completely on the other person. If you’re talking to someone on the phone, try doing it in a quiet place.

Listen without interrupting – try and remember that pauses are fine, you don’t need to fill any silences. Be empathetic and take them seriously.

Body language – keep your body language open and non-confrontational and maintain eye contact.

Check in on loved ones – if you’re concerned about a family member or friend, try to check in with them once or twice a week. Sometimes it can take a few tries to get someone to open up about how they’re feeling, so don’t give up.

Listen and communicate non-judgmentally – when we listen to another person it can remind us of elements of our own experiences. We then form opinions and make judgements on that basis. The more aware we become of this, the easier it is to pay attention to what the person is trying to say, instead of what we think they are saying. Communicating without judgment is essential to create a supportive environment. Summarising back what they are saying shows that you’re listening. 

Don’t give advice – instead share sources of support, where necessary signpost to their GP and

discuss self-care.

Research has shown that emergency services workers are twice as likely as the public to identify problems at work as the main cause of their mental health problems, but they are also significantly less likely to seek help. So, it’s even more important to look after your own mental health when working on the frontline.

Here are some tips:

Think about your purpose: Be clear about why you are doing this job.

Be clear on expectations: Make sure you know what is expected of you and whether it is realistic.

Keep your boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, don’t take work home with you.

Talk to colleagues: Make time to talk to your colleagues about your experiences and share fears and concerns.

Value your own family and relationships: While work is important, your family and relationships need to be valued.

Exercise: Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, can help you concentrate, relax, and increase your overall wellbeing.

Get plenty of sleep: Sleep helps regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions and an imbalance in those chemicals can result in us becoming depressed or anxious. Read our sleep guide here.

Eat well: A balanced diet that is good for your physical wellbeing is also good for your mental wellbeing. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well.

Avoid alcohol: The numbing effects of drinking are only temporary and can often lead to mental

health issues. It’s advised that if you do drink, that you stay within the governing bodies recommended unit guidelines.

Keep in touch: It’s good for you to catch up with friends and family face to face or over the phone.

Take a break: A change of scenery or pace is good for you.

Do something you’re good at: Enjoying yourself can help beat stress

Care for others: Supporting others uplifts you as well as them.

Ask for help: If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation, see the list at the end of this guide for details. 

Mental health conversations have the power to make a big difference, but sometimes these conversations can bring up some difficult things that people may not have spoken about before. This might mean that they need some support.

If you feel a loved one, colleague or yourself need additional support, contact a GP, a counselling professional or one of the organisations listed here:

NHS

Samaritans

Mind

Anxiety UK

Mental Health Foundation

It’s important to start talking about money worries before your situation gets worse. Talking about money will give you the confidence to get help and find out who can best advise you on any problems. It can give you a great sense of relief to share your problems, so you’re not facing them alone. It’s important to seek professional advice as soon as possible and not wait until it’s more difficult to find a solution.

Worrying about money can negatively affect your mental health and for those people experiencing mental health problems it makes it harder to manage their finances.

Problem debt can also be linked to suicide. For more information read our suicide awareness guide here. We’ve teamed up with PayPlan**, one of the UK’s leading free debt advice providers, who offer free and confidential advice to anyone in serious financial difficulties.

They’re able to advise you on a range of debt solutions suited to your individual circumstances, helping to protect you and your family with a sustainable way to manage your debt. Get free and confidential help to combat your debt, call PayPlan** on 0800 197 8433.

* Time to Change. Attitudes to Mental Illness 2014 Research Report

**PayPlan is a trading name of Totemic Limited. Totemic Limited is a limited company registered in England, Company Number: 2789854. Registered Office: Kempton House, Dysart Road, PO Box 9562, Grantham, NG31 0EA. Totemic Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Conduct Authority Number: 681263.

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

13-17 June 2022

We all feel lonely at times, it is a natural emotion. By building a greater awareness and acceptance of loneliness, we can help ourselves to manage the feeling.

Loneliness awareness week is hosted by Marmalade Trust. Their aim is to reduce the stigma of loneliness. The aim of this week is to raise awareness of loneliness and to get people talking about it. For more details of the week click here.

Loneliness is affecting more and more people in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health especially during the pandemic. The connection to other people and community is fundamental to protecting our mental health.

Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives, regardless of age or background. It’s a deeply personal experience that in most cases will thankfully pass. But for a growing number of people, loneliness can define their lives and have a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.

Loneliness will be felt differently for everyone, it may still occur when you have loving support around you. It’s not always the number of social contacts but the perception of those relationships that count. Feeling lonely is different from being lonely.

Things you should know about loneliness

Loneliness is a natural feeling

Most of us will experience loneliness at some point in our lives. Loneliness doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you, it’s just your body’s way of letting you know that you’re not getting your social needs met. Like hunger telling you to eat.

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed or shameful about being lonely.

Loneliness can affect you at any age

It is generally thought that the older community are more likely to feel lonely, but this isn’t the case, people aged 16-24 are now the most likely group to be affected by loneliness. According to a recent ONS (Office for National Statistics) study, women and people from ethnic minorities were amongst the groups most affected by loneliness during the pandemic.

There are various reasons for feeling lonely

Certain life events, such as a bereavement can trigger such feelings, even if other family members rally around in support.

Loneliness can be caused by many other things including leaving the workplace, children or friends moving away, debilitating health condition or illness, no longer being able to participate in normal hobbies or activities and lack of access to transport. Emotional loneliness can happen in relationships and families, where you have people in your life, but you don’t feel close to or understood by them.

We are all different and you may not know someone is feeling lonely unless they tell you.

Loneliness is temporary

You may not realise it if you are feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, but it won’t last forever and you can take steps to feel better.

Loneliness is not a mental health condition, however, if left unchecked, loneliness can start to affect both our mental and physical health.

Loneliness should improve with time. However, often it’s advisable to address the situation in the early stages to prevent it becoming a chronic issue. Loneliness is now being recognised for its damaging effects, such as mental health conditions, cardiovascular issues, and sleep problems, it is therefore important to try and overcome the feeling of isolation.

What can you do if you’re feeling Lonely?

Catch up with friends – Connecting with the people around you, your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours are key to your overall wellbeing. These relationships will support and enrich you.

Make new friends – Join local groups or classes based on your interests, not only will you be doing something you enjoy, but you’ll meet new people with similar interests.

Help others by volunteering – Giving to others is a great way to boost your wellbeing. It can give a sense of purpose and create feelings of positivity. It is also a great way to meet new people whilst helping the local community.

Do things you enjoy – Plan your week to include activities that you enjoy and make you feel good.

Learn a new skill – Continued learning throughout your life helps to enhance your self-esteem and encourages social interactions.

Spend time outdoors – Fresh air, natural light and exercise combined are great for our mental health. Whatever the weather it’s great to get outside.

Focus on the positives – When you are feeling lonely, you can sometimes be in a negative frame of mind. Thinking about the good things in your life, remembering happy times or identifying at least one thing each day to be thankful for can help you to think more positively.

Look after yourself – Self-care is essential. Make sure you are sleeping well, eating healthily and being as active as possible. Prioritise looking after yourself.

It’s good to talk – If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone about how you are feeling, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation.

However lonely you are feeling, there is always something you can do to feel better. Loneliness Awareness Week is a good time to start to make a positive change.

Useful links:

NHS

Samaritans

Mind

AnxietyUK

Mental Health Foundation

Marmalade Trust

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

Volunteers Week takes place 1-7 June every year. It’s a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and to say thank you.

Volunteers play a key role in making a difference to our communities.

This week is a time for us to thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution and also consider volunteering ourselves.

Volunteering doesn’t just help others and the community but is has also shown to improve volunteers’ wellbeing too.

It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out. But volunteering can also help you gain valuable new skills and experiences, boost your confidence and be your chance to make a difference.

People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Regardless of the motivation, by volunteering they are making a difference to the community.

Volunteering is a hugely valuable and rewarding experience for the volunteers and the communities they support.

There are many reasons to volunteer, including:

Community – volunteering helps us giveback to those around us, particularly in the community we live or work in. When you volunteer you strengthen your community, improve the environment you live in, give something back to an organisation, make a difference to the lives of others and help others less fortunate or without a voice.

Volunteering enables people to play an active role in society and contribute to positive social change. Volunteers support vulnerable people in society and enable them to live a healthy and rewarding life.

This could mean support with things we take for granted, such as practical help at home for disabled or older people, mentoring a care leaver and helping them to find their feet as an adult, or taking part in a litter pick or at a local scouting group.

Your mental health and self-esteem – volunteering also makes you feel good. In fact, a study has shown that not only is volunteering associated with increased happiness and lower depression, but it also reduces the risk of premature death.

This is especially true if you enjoy volunteering and feel valued and part of a team. You will spend quality time away from work or your busy lifestyle and be in the moment. It may help you gain confidence and improve your self-esteem. Volunteering can also help to improve your mental health.

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. One of which is to give to others, research suggests that acts of giving and kindness and being part of community life can improve your mental wellbeing. For more details on the 5 steps to mental wellbeing click here.

Action for Happiness list ten key ingredients for a happy and fulfilling life: giving, relating, exercising, awareness, trying out, direction, resilience, emotions, acceptance and meaning. Volunteering ticks most if not all of these boxes. For more details click here.

Your Physical health – there are lots of different ways you can volunteer, but many of them involve physical tasks, like litter picking, dog walking for a local shelter, wildlife conservation and sports coaching, all of which will help keep you fit whilst you are also enjoying nature and the outdoors.

There is lots of anecdotal evidence that volunteering has a positive impact on both your physical and mental health.

Social – volunteering is a way to get a better understanding of people, cultures, places, and organisations which can also lead to more social connections.

Researchers believe that volunteering can extend a person’s life because humans thrive on social connections. Eye contact and smiling for example release the hormone oxytocin, which helps us handle stress better. Social interaction improves mental and physical health. When you volunteer you strengthen your social network, you make connections with the people you are helping, and you cultivate friendships with other volunteers. Volunteering creates stronger bonds between friends, family, and co-workers. People build closer relationships, better connections, and more powerful attachments to people when they work together.

Personal Development – volunteering is an opportunity to learn new skills and can boost employment prospects. For some people, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. Volunteering can also be a way of enhancing a CV, improving employment prospects, gaining an accreditation, or using your existing professional skills and knowledge to benefit others.

By volunteering in a specific profession, you can gain valuable experience for a future career, for example, becoming a police special before joining the force.

Values – volunteering can satisfy personal values or humanitarian concerns. For some people this can have a religious component. For instance, helping those less fortunate is a large part of Christianity and the concept of karma in Hinduism means those good deeds come back to you.

People who volunteer, report a greater sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.

Volunteering within the police service

There are many volunteering roles within and connected for the police service, including the special constabulary, police chaplains, police service volunteers and our own FAO and AO’s.

Police volunteering roles provide an opportunity to do something worthwhile in your spare time, making a real difference to your local police force and to your community.

It allows you to become involved with policing and to be part of the policing family and to make a positive contribution to your area.

For more details click on the links given below.

Police Mutual FAOs and AO volunteers

At Police Mutual we have volunteer Force Authorised Officers and Authorised Officers who represent Police Mutual customers within their own forces.

Our volunteers are a vital part of the team and assist us hugely in promoting the financial wellbeing support we offer. Their assistance and advocacy are greatly appreciated.

We would like to thank all of our FAO and AO’s for their continued support.

Do you want to give something back and make a different with your spare time? Many serving and retired Police Service employees volunteer.

If you’re interested in volunteering, here are some websites where you can find out more information:

Volunteering Matters

NCVO

Police UK Volunteering

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

6 -12 June 2022

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers of all ages face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities. For more details click here.

The theme for Carers Week this year is ‘Make caring visible, valued and supported’. The aim is that people looking after family members or friends, and the challenges of caring should be recognised in all areas of life.  Caring should be valued and respected by everyone in our society, and carers should have access to the information and support they need, where and when they need it.

A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring’s impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work can be significant. Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough. It is vitally important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces, and society, and that they get the support they need.

Caring for someone has many positive and rewarding aspects to it and it can be the most loving thing you can do for someone else. It can, however, also be challenging, leaving you feeling exhausted and in some cases can be extremely lonely and isolating. If you find you are struggling it is important to ask for help and support.

Caring for elderly parents

Our parents bring us up and do everything for us when we are children, so it can come as a shock when they start to require care themselves. As people age or develop disabilities, you may need to ask for help to take care of elderly parents.

Persuading parents to accept help can be difficult, but it’s important that everybody is open and honest about their hopes and fears. Explain to your parents that you are worried they are struggling to manage.

A big decision you and your parents may have to make is about whether they will receive at-home care or if they will move into a residential care home, this may consist of sheltered housing, assisted living or a nursing home. Talk to specialists and those involved in your parents’ care, such as their GP, any social workers involved or staff at care homes. Ensure you involve your parents and ask them their views.

Caring for someone with dementia

Caring for someone with Dementia can be daunting, challenging, and exhausting. Here are some things to consider.

Accept support – this support may come from other members of your family, a professional or a support group. Just don’t be afraid to accept or ask for help. This help will allow you to take a break and have some time to yourself.

Be empathetic – as a carer compassion and empathy are at the heart of what you are doing. Be patient and understanding, don’t criticize and judge.

Look after their overall wellbeing – make sure the person with dementia regularly has their physical health monitored and ensure they receive the appropriate health advice or treatment. It’s important they remain active, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.

Dementia Specific Support – seek out advice, support, education, and training. This could involve
investigating local services, joining a social or peer support group.

Be positive – focus on their strengths and think about what they can still do, rather than what they
can’t. Prioritise things that bring them peace and joy and avoid negative comments.

Be realistic – those with dementia will have good and bad days. Be realistic about the course of the
disease, remember that most types of dementia are irreversible and progressive.

Plan ahead – when caring for someone with dementia things will change, so you should prepare for a time when their loved one may need more care than you can provide, this may be provided from a professional coming into your home each day or with your loved one moving into a residential setting. You will need to prepare yourself for this emotionally and plan financially for this change.

For more information read our guide here.


Caring for someone with a disability

Looking after someone with a physical disability can be physically demanding for you as a carer. An important part of your role is to make sure the person you care for has the best quality of life possible by helping them to be as independent as possible.

There is no ideal way to care for someone with a disability. Each person is different, each with a different disability.  Here are some things you can do to help make life as a carer that little bit easier for you both:

Take time to understand their illness or condition – the term disability is varied. Its therefore important for you to research the disability itself to help understand the challenges it’s likely to present. This knowledge can help you empathise more with your loved one.

Focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities – when caring for a disabled person at home, it’s easy to focus on what they can’t do and do it for them. In order to be as independent as possible, it’s important to try to encourage them to do as many of the things they can themselves, and only step in when they really need help.

Think ahead – all types of disabilities will present unexpected challenges every day. Planning for emergencies in advance can enable you to respond as well as possible to the unexpected.

If you can its useful for you to attend health appointments with your loved one where possible, taking a list of questions with you so that you can be fully informed.

Another thing you might want to think ahead about is making legal arrangements. For instance, has your loved one made a Will and do they have power of attorney in place.

Young carers

A young carer is someone under 18 who looks after a parent or another family member who is ill or help them by looking after other members of the family while they can’t. They take on physical and emotional duties like bathing and dressing of the person they are caring for or cooking meals for younger siblings and helping them to get ready for school and bed each day.

It can be hard work, scary at times and isolating and may lead them to miss school or being bullied. Many young people cope well with caring, especially if you have support from other family members, but it’s important for them to look after themselves. This may involve talking to a teacher or school counsellor. There is also lots of organisations providing help, like Young Minds and Barnardo’s.

Financial assistance for carers

Having the right financial aid can really help when caring for a loved one at home. There are a range of different benefits that offer that little bit of extra support, including:

Carer’s Allowance – if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits you could get a weekly allowance. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.  For more details click here.

Carer’s Credit – a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your NI record. You’re eligible for this if you care for someone at least 20 hours a week. For more details click here.

Disability Living Allowance for Children – may be payable if you care for a disabled child. For more details click here.

Carer Premium – which is an additional premium on top of other benefits you can claim. The benefits you can claim the premium on include universal credit, income support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, employment support allowance, housing benefit, pension and tax credits, and council tax.  For more details click here.

Additionally, depending on your age and circumstances you may also be entitled to Pension Credit and additional local welfare assistance. Click here for more info.

Caring for yourself

Caring can be both physically and mentally exhausting, you may be getting up several times in the night, you may have to lift an adult who is heavier than you, or you may be juggling caring whilst also holding down a job. You may also have the emotional distress of seeing a loved one suffering.

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else’s health. Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care for too. Remember you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Caring for others can be extremely stressful and may lead to mental health conditions including depression. The tips below may help:

• Eat well
• Sleep well
• Enjoy some time for yourself
• Get exercise when you can
• Consider trying a meditation or mindfulness
• Write in a journal about what you are going through and how you feel
• If you are working request compassionate leave or flexible working

Recognising your own needs will help you balance caring with the rest of your life; it will also ensure you are physically and mentally well enough to care for your loved one as well as you can.

As a carer you may experience a range of emotions, including feelings of isolation, anger, guilt, stress, and fatigue. All these feelings are natural but to overcome them, some of the tips below may help:

• Talk to others in a similar situation or join a support group
• Seek out the national organisation devoted to the condition or illness that you are dealing with
• Ask other members of the family for help to give you a break and avoid burnout
• Speak to a counsellor, therapist, or your GP about how you are feeling
• Try to set some time aside for yourself every day and do something you enjoy

Support & Sources of Information

NHS

Gov UK

Carers Trust

Young Minds

Barnardo’s

Age UK

Carers UK

Citizen Advice

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

13 – 19 June 2022

Wellbeing and health are topics that are often over-looked by men. Men’s Health Week is a great time to think about your overall wellbeing. This year the theme is It’s Time for a DIY Man MOT. For more information about the link click here.

 Did you know:

• 1 man in 5 dies before age 65.
• 75% of premature deaths from heart disease are male.
• You can have an NHS health check from age 40.
• Women live longer than men.
• 4 out of 5 suicides are male.
• Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 49.
• Men between the ages of 18 and 44 are less likely to go see a doctor than women.
• 67% of men are overweight or obese.
• Middle-aged men are twice as likely to have diabetes as women.
• Men are more likely to drink alcohol to dangerous levels.
• Men are twice likely to have liver disease.
• When men do use therapy, it is at the point of crisis.
• Men are more likely to smoke

It is vital that men start to feel more comfortable talking about their health and wellbeing.

Physical Health

The main physical health issues that men face are:

Heart attacks strike men at younger ages than women. On average, a first heart attack strikes men at age 65. For women, the average age of a first heart attack is 72. It’s not entirely clear why middle-aged men have more heart attacks than women in the same age group. But historically higher rates of unhealthy habits, including smoking and stress, may be partly to blame.

Men are more likely to get cancer than women and they are more likely to die from it. This is probably due to a higher risk of exposure to carcinogens, lack of awareness of risks and not going to see a doctor when symptoms develop.

Testicular cancer tends to mostly affect men between 15 and 49 years of age. Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in 1 of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles. It’s important to be aware of what feels normal for you. Get to know your body and see a GP if you notice any changes.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. It usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra). When this happens, you may notice things like:

• an increased need to urinate
• straining while you urinate
• a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied

These symptoms should not be ignored, but they do not mean you have prostate cancer. It’s more likely they’re caused by something else, such as prostate enlargement. See a GP if you experience these symptoms.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. There are 2 main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2. Men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women.

Tips for staying healthy:

• Drink less than 14 units of alcohol a week (equivalent of 6 pints of average strength beer).
• If you smoke, STOP! On average a cigarette smoker will die 10 years younger than a non-smoker. For help stopping smoking click here.
• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.
• Walk 10,000 steps a day.
• If it comes in brown choose this over white (rice, pasta, bread).
• Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.
• Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
• Regularly have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked.
• Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night (or day if you are working nights).

Mental Health

One in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year.

For many of us talking about mental health is difficult and often men find this even more difficult. It’s hard to put how you’re feeling into words. Remember you can be strong without being silent.

As a police officer your role is to serve and protect, this means that you are less likely to ask for help, as you think it’s seen as a sign of weakness. We all need to stop thinking that talking about emotional or mental health is a sign of weakness. Police officers are dying because they aren’t asking for or getting help.

Research has shown that emergency services workers are twice as likely as the public to identify problems at work as the main cause of their mental health problems, but they are also significantly less likely to seek help.

With a quarter of emergency service workers admitting to thinking about taking their own lives, the ‘Man up’ campaign through the Police Federation encourages officers to take each other’s mental wellbeing as seriously as they take each other’s physical safety, and questions whether we are too dismissive of a colleague who may be showing signs of mental health issues – something that has potentially fatal consequences. When you hear ‘Man Up’, think ‘Man Down’ offer help. For more details of this campaign click here.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, help is available:

Samaritans

Mind

Shout

Stress and anxiety are normal. It’s what we do about it that matters. There are various steps you can take to cope with being under pressure, remember, different things work for different people.

Identify your triggers and take control – working out what triggers your stress can help you anticipate when you may feel stressed and what you could do about it in advance.

Organise your time – making some adjustments to the way you organise your time can help you feel more in control and able to handle the pressure you are feeling.

Be active – exercise can help clear your head and then let you deal with your problems more calmly. Go outside to exercise, as fresh air and spending time in nature can really help.

Talk to other people – friends, family and colleagues can help support you through the stress you are feeling, you may even have a laugh and start to relax. You may also want to consider talking to a professional counsellor.

Do something you enjoy – spending time doing something you enjoy will take your mind off how you are feeling. Everyone needs to take time for themselves, it can be as simple as having a bath or reading a book.

Avoid unhealthy ways to cope – many people use alcohol, smoking, chocolate, and gambling to try and relieve the stress they are feeling, none of these things will help in the long term, use healthy coping strategies like going for a run, listening to music, or walking the dog.

Challenge yourself – learning new skills and setting yourself new goals will help build your confidence and make you feel good about yourself.

Help others – people who volunteer in the community or for a worthwhile cause tend to be more resilient.

Try to be positive – think of all the things you are grateful for, write down or say out loud 3 things that went well each day.

Address some of the causes – where possible improve some of the issues that are putting pressure on you.

Accept the things you can’t change – it’s not easy but accepting that there are some things happening to you that you can’t do anything about will help you focus your time and energy elsewhere.

For more details on looking after your mental health, read our guide here.

To read our stress awareness guide click here.

Financial wellbeing

Worrying about money can be extremely stressful and may lead to mental and physical health conditions.

According to the 2021 Police Federation of England and Wales Pay & Morale Survey:

• Around 1 in 7 of respondents said that they are never or almost never able to cover their monthly essentials.
  • 45% of respondents said that they found themselves worrying about the state of their personal finances every day or almost every day.
  • 73% of respondents said that they feel worse off financially compared to 12 months ago.

Being in debt causes stress and worry which can lead to mental health problems. Research by moneyandmentalhealth.org found that nearly half of those in England in problem debt also suffer from poor mental health.

Individuals with multiple debt problems are at a ‘significantly high risk of suicide’ than those with just one problem debt.

If you’re struggling with debt or finding it hard to manage your finances, then we’re here to help.  Read our debt awareness guide here.

If you are struggling with gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline (24 hours) 0808 80 20 133 or read our guide here.

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

Healthy eating week, 13 – 17 June, is a great time to think about improving your diet. Poor nutrition and obesity are becoming more common in the UK. According to Public Health England nearly 2/3rds of adults in England are classed as being overweight with more men likely to be in this category than women.

Being overweight can cause various health concerns and according to Cancer Research UK, overweight and obesity is the 2nd biggest cause of cancer. Keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer. Diabetes and heart disease are also other conditions that you have a higher chance of developing if you are obese.

It is therefore important to ensure you are eating a balanced diet. This guide will give you some tips on how to achieve a healthy diet.

How can you improve your eating and drinking habits?

Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day (this can include frozen & dried). This will not only improve your nutritional intake, but also many fruits and non-starchy vegetables such as grapes, watermelons, tomatoes, and lettuce, contain a lot of water and can help keep you hydrated as well.

When eating carbohydrates, choose whole grains and high fibre versions with less added fat, salt and sugar and more vitamins. Eating whole grains instead of highly refined grains can help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes and can support a healthy digestive system.

Ensure you are getting a good source of protein like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, soya, seeds and nuts and beans and pulses. Reduce the amount of processed meat you are eating, these include sausages, bacon, cured ham, corned beef, and smoked meat. Try to eat 2 portions of fish per week, at least one of which is oily.

Be aware of your sugar intake. Eating too much sugar can cause weight gain and tooth decay, so moderation is key.

Some studies believe that sugar can be incredibly addictive, so keep track of how much sugar you are adding to your food and drinks. Look at information on nutrition labels and ingredients lists to help reduce your intake of sugar. High sugar intake is linked to numerous ailments, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer.

A lot of products have been choosing to replace their sugar usage with sweeteners and this is where diet drinks have come from. Sweeteners are a minimum of 200 times sweeter than sugar and can be as much as 700 times sweeter. This means that less can be used in foods, therefore we consume less product overall. Sweeteners are much better for you from a dental health perspective. However, the research around obesity and weight gain is not clear. It is therefore best that sweeteners included in your diet are in moderation.

We all know that it’s important to keep hydrated and to drink more water. Water is good for your health, drinking 8 glasses of water each day is recommended to maintain good health, which is around 1.5 to 2 litres.

When choosing what to drink, consider the nutritional benefits. Sugary drinks can often be your biggest source of sugar intake. The soft drinks industry levy or sugar tax was introduced in April 2018 as a key part of a government strategy to tackle childhood obesity.

Flavoured water is often promoted as a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks but that’s not always the

case. Even though they are zero or low calories, these drinks can be loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial colouring, preservatives, and other unnatural ingredients. One easy way to ensure tasty water that’s naturally flavoured is to make it yourself.

DIY infused drinks add nutrients to your diet that can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, kick start your metabolism and help you maintain a healthy, hydrated body. You could try using cucumber, lemon, lime, mint, ginger, basil or even a cinnamon stick.

Swap caffeine and alcohol with water. Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics, meaning that they cause your body to remove fluids from your blood at a much quicker rate than other liquids. This results in the body becoming dehydrated.

Alcoholic drinks contain almost twice as many calories as protein and carbohydrates they also contain calories from other sources, which add to overall caloric intake, e.g., Cocktails, mixers, spirits. Alcohol loosens the inhibitions and therefore you are more likely to indulge on unhealthy foods. If you’re drinking and then you don’t feel well the next day, you’re going to be less likely to be physically active. When you drink your body is more focused on breaking down alcohol rather than burning fat.

Recommended Daily Allowance

Food labels use reference intakes to demonstrate the amount of calories you should eat each day.

The intake for an average adult should be:

• Saturates – less than 20g
• Carbohydrates – at least 260g
• Energy – 2000Kcal
• Fat – less than 70g
• Total sugars – 90g
• Protein – 50g
• Salt – less than 6g

Poor nutrition or malnutrition is caused by a person’s diet lacking the right amount of nutrients. Malnutrition can refer to undernutrition, which is not getting enough nutrition and over nutrition, where you are getting more nutrients than you need.

Malnutrition can lead to a range of serious health conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Depression
• Bone and joint issues
• Tooth decay

It’s important for you to be aware of the symptoms of poor nutrition and dehydration.

These include, but are not limited to, dizziness, dry skin, nausea, and heart palpitations. If you notice any of these changes occurring, you need to be proactive and take some preventative measures to

avoid malnutrition by having a healthier, more balanced diet.

Here are some tips if you are trying to lose weight and want to reduce hunger cravings naturally:

Some foods are high in soluble fibre which form a gel in your bowels, making you fuller for longer and helping to clear cholesterol from your blood. Eat oats, barley, rice, golden linseeds, chia seeds, aubergine, okra, bananas, apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, prunes, plums, avocados, pears, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and onions. Food such as meat, fish and diary don’t contain any fibre as this only comes from plant foods.

• Keep it simple and don’t fall prey to fad diets.
• Aim for a protein source at every meal to combat the hunger cycle.
• If you don’t exercise often, look to make movement part of your day.
• Avoid drinking sugary drinks where possible, as it is common to underestimate how many calories and how much sugar a drink can contain. Look out for ‘no added sugar’ drinks.
• Feel empowered, not overwhelmed, if you are trying to switch to a healthier diet take it one step at a time and in moderation. You will be more likely to stick with it. Be patient losing weight will take time.
• Set realistic goals, to maintain a balanced nutritional diet and fit in regular exercise. Start by making small changes such as walking daily.
• Try using a health and wellbeing mobile App, to keep track of your calorie intake and water consumption. Make sure you celebrate your milestones.

Food and Stress

You have both physical and psychological relationships with food. Your physical relationship with food is based on the types of food you choose to eat, your eating behaviour, or habits and how your body responds biologically to your diet.

Your psychological or emotional relationship with food is based on how you think about food, how you use food for reasons other than to relieve hunger, and how food relates to your body image, or the way you feel about how you look.

In order to get control of stress eating, you have to control your stress levels.

Read our stress awareness guide here.


5 ways to manage food consumption when stressed:

1. Know your stressors
2. Exercise to reduce stress
3. Reach out for help
4. Develop a practice of mindfulness
5. Learn intuitive eating

This article was published on Fri 22 Apr 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

9 – 15 May 2022

Mental health problems can affect anyone, any time of the year, but mental health awareness week is a great time to show your support for better mental health and looking after your own wellbeing.

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, 9-15 May 2022 is ‘Loneliness’.

The week will explore the experience of loneliness, its effect on our mental health and how we can all play a part in reducing loneliness in our communities.

The Week is an opportunity for people to talk about all aspects of mental health, with a focus on providing help and support.

Loneliness is affecting more and more people in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health especially during the pandemic. The connection to other people and community is fundamental to protecting our mental health.

Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives, regardless of age or background. It’s a deeply personal experience that in most cases will thankfully pass. But for a growing of people, loneliness can define their lives and have a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.

Loneliness will be felt differently for everyone, it may still occur when you have loving support around you.  It’s not always the number of social contacts but the perception of those relationships that count. Feeling lonely is different from being lonely.

It is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support will substantially increase in the coming months and years.

Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health.

Mental health problems affect around one in four people in any given year*. They range from common problems, such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Certain life events, such as a bereavement can trigger such feelings, even if other family members rally around in support.  Loneliness can be caused by many other things including leaving the workplace, children or friends moving away, debilitating health condition or illness, no longer being able to participate in normal hobbies or activities and lack of access to transport.

Sometimes loneliness may improve with time. However, often it’s advisable to address the situation in the early stages to prevent it becoming a chronic issue. Loneliness is now being recognised for its damaging effects, such as mental health conditions, cardiovascular issues, and sleep problems, it is therefore important to try and overcome the feeling of isolation.

What can you do if you’re feeling Lonely?

Catch up with friends – Connecting with the people around you, your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours are key to your overall wellbeing. These relationships will support and enrich you.

Make new friends – Join local groups or classes based on your interests, not only will you be doing something you enjoy, but you’ll meet new people with similar interests.

Help others by volunteering – Giving to others is a great way to boost your wellbeing. It can give a sense of purpose and create feelings of positivity. It is also a great way to meet new people whilst helping the local community.

Do things you enjoy – Plan your week to include activities that you enjoy and make you feel good.

Learn a new skill – Continued learning throughout your life helps to enhance your self-esteem and

encourages social interactions.

Spend time outdoors – Fresh air, natural light and exercise combined are great for our mental health. Whatever the weather it’s great to get outside.

Focus on the positives – When you are feeling lonely, you can sometimes be in a negative frame of mind. Thinking about the good things in your life, remembering happy times or identifying at least one thing each day to be thankful for can help you to think more positively.

Look after yourself – Selfcare is essential. Make sure you are sleeping well, eating healthily and being as active as possible.  Prioritise looking after yourself.

It’s good to talk – If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone about how you are feeling, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation.

Research has shown that emergency services workers are twice as likely as the public to identify problems at work as the main cause of their mental health problems, but they are also significantly less likely to seek help. So, it’s even more important to look after your own mental health when working on the frontline.

Here are some tips:

Think about your purpose: Be clear about why you are doing this job.

Be clear on expectations: Make sure you know what is expected of you and whether it is realistic.

Keep your boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, don’t take work home with you.

Talk to colleagues: Make time to talk to your colleagues about your experiences and share fears and concerns.

Value your own family and relationships: While work is important, your family and relationships need to be valued.

Exercise: Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, can help you concentrate, relax, and increase your overall wellbeing.

Get plenty of sleep: Sleep helps regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions and an imbalance in those chemicals can result in us becoming depressed or anxious. Read our sleep guide here.

Eat well: A balanced diet that is good for your physical wellbeing is also good for your mental wellbeing. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well.

Avoid alcohol: The numbing effects of drinking are only temporary and can often lead to mental

health issues. It’s advised that if you do drink, that you stay within the governing bodies recommended unit guidelines.

Keep in touch: It’s good for you to catch up with friends and family face to face or over the phone.

Take a break: A change of scenery or pace is good for you.

Do something you’re good at: Enjoying yourself can help beat stress

Care for others: Supporting others uplifts you as well as them.

Ask for help: If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation, see the list at the end of this guide for details.

Making positive change is more important than ever, but it’s difficult to know where to start. Do one thing today, whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill, or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else, take the opportunity to do one thing during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Whatever you’ve been through this year, Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to make a positive change for your mental health.

Useful links:

NHS

Samaritans

Mind

AnxietyUK

Mental Health Foundation

* Time to Change. Attitudes to Mental Illness 2014 Research Report