The Albion Foundation proudly announces its support for World Mental Health Day 2024, observed on October 10, with a series of initiatives aimed at promoting mental well-being among staff and the local community.
The World Federation of Mental Health urges individuals to unite and emphasize the significance of mental health, noting that open dialogues about mental well-being can empower people to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
A cornerstone of the Albion Foundation’s efforts is its Team Talk initiative, which hosts weekly sessions every Monday evening designed to bolster men’s mental health through football. Participants engage in a “wellbeing café,” a safe space where they can openly discuss their feelings while enjoying a warm beverage. This supportive environment is followed by a small-sided football match.
Terrell Mullings, a support coach for Team Talk, emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable atmosphere for participants. “It’s all about creating that environment where they feel comfortable and feel like if they’ve got anything they need to talk about, we can support them with that,” Mullings said. “Once they know that familiar face, they feel like they can trust us, and that’s when they’re more open to sharing.”
Mullings also reflected on the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among men. “I’ve learned the difference between well-being and mental health, along with self-check-ins and what to look for. I think understanding this is really important.”
Sam, a participant in the initiative, shared how the group has positively impacted his life. “It’s just really nice to have a new set of friends,” he said. “It’s stopped me from being so negative; I’ve learned to be a lot more positive about everything.”
Sam also noted that attending the group has helped him become more approachable. “I used to be really closed off and quite scared to talk to people. Now I’ll happily go and talk to anyone; I don’t mind.”
This year’s theme, established by the World Federation of Mental Health, focuses on workplace mental health. This theme highlights the necessity of addressing mental health and well-being in professional settings for the benefit of individuals, organizations, and communities. According to estimates, 15% of UK workers are affected by existing mental health conditions, and in 2022/23, approximately 875,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, and anxiety.
In line with this theme, the Albion Foundation will encourage its staff to participate in a “Tea & Talk” event on Thursday. Staff members will take an additional half-hour from their day to enjoy a hot drink and engage in open conversations with colleagues.
On this World Mental Health Day and beyond, individuals are encouraged to check in with friends, family, peers, or colleagues. Discussing mental health can foster resilience and improve coping strategies for life’s ups and downs.
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