- To mark the lead up to World Mental Health Day, Public Health England are launching a campaign titled, “Every Mind Matters”.
- A new online tool is available which helps people exercise self-care, whilst signposting to wider services for those in greater need. The online tool will enable users to find services in their local area.
- In Dorset, they will be able to find out about what support Dorset Mind can offer to anyone with a mental health problem, as well as other local services.
- The national launch night will involve a live Twitter takeover, a campaign emoji, the campaign film to be screened across BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky, and support from several influential celebrities who will front the campaign.
- Every Mind Matters encourages people to feel more empowered and confident in taking steps to support their mental health and wellbeing.
The campaign will draw support from public-sector partners, big name brands, charities and is fully supported and clinically assured by the NHS.
Locally, Dorset Mind will partner with Public Health Dorset to ensure that the campaign reaches the county, by promoting the new tools to help people with their mental health and wellbeing.
The Public Health initiative comes off the back of rigorous research and piloting, which indicated that general mental health awareness has increased, alongside a reduction in stigma and an increased willingness to discuss mental health right now. However, research has identified that the gap lies in the general public not knowing where to go and who to speak to when in need of support, along with steps to be taken to help with personal wellbeing, such as exercise and connecting with others.
The campaign will highlight the importance of talking about mental health, in a nationwide effort to counteract mental-ill health. The campaign clearly indicates that mental health is now being regarded with the same level of care and commitment as physical health by government agencies and beyond.
Public Health Dorset representative said:
Cllr Laura Miller, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Dorset Council, said:
“We’re really pleased to be supporting the launch of the Every Mind Matters campaign in Dorset. Wellbeing often takes a back seat when life gets busy or stressful, so we’re encouraging people to take the time to think about mental health and look after themselves to prevent problems from escalating – just as we do with our physical health.
“Physical activity in particular is great for your mental and physical wellbeing, but there are also loads of other things you can do like talking to a friend or relative, reading a book or doing something you enjoy.”
Marianne Storey, CEO of Dorset Mind said:
“We are thrilled to be playing an active role in a Public Health England Campaign. We are facing increasing demands for mental health services in Dorset and wider England, and campaigns like this will help to guide the public to the whole range of mental health support, and self-help guidance that they can access easily. Nationwide efforts to bring mental health to the forefront of popular culture and current affairs will enable us to better support people in Dorset, whilst creating a societal shift in the way we value and support our collective mental health.”
