October is an important month for raising awareness in mental health, wellbeing and overall work-life balance with campaigns dedicated to both.
World Mental Health Day
Every year on the 10th October, employers and the global mental health community recognise World Mental Health Day – an awareness day established by the World Health Organisation.
It goes without saying that the pandemic has had a major impact on the mental health of people all around the world, but some groups have been particularly affected – frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions.
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness in the subject of mental health, and to discuss what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. The theme of World Mental Health Day in 2021, as set by the World Federation for Mental Health, was ‘Mental health in an unequal world’.
Mental Health Awareness Days and Campaigns
Awareness days are important to get people talking more openly about mental health in the same way we talk about physical health. That said, this is a subject that we believe we should be talking about every day… to help normalise the conversation and breakdown the stigma that prevents so many from going on to get the help that they may need for their mental health. This is the POINT3 Wellbeing vision and daily purpose, as we all have mental health, every day.
National Work Life Week
October is also the month of National Work Life Week – in 2021 this takes place between Monday 11th October and Friday 15th October. This is another opportunity for employers to show employees their flexible working culture and how they value and encourage their staff to find greater balance between their working and personal lives.
And as we are in the midst of The Great Resignation – a global phenomena that is seeing swathes of workers leave their jobs in search of greater flexibility and work life balance as a result of the pandemic, never before has this been so important for a company’s employer brand, in order to attract and retain the best talent.
How can we help you and your organisation?
If we can help to raise awareness of the subject of mental health within your organisation, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether on the back of a national or global campaign, or as part of your employees’ health and wellbeing strategy.
Check out our dedicated page about Mental Health Awareness Training for more information around the type of training we offer organisations. We also run a series of different mindset training sessions to raise awareness and inspire action around subjects such as resilience, managing change and finding balance.
Between now and the rest of the year, the following awareness days and campaigns are still to run:
International Stress Awareness Week, 1st – 5th November 2021
Raise awareness, publicity and profile of stress and its impact, and reduce stigma while promoting the importance of wellbeing and stress reduction.
World Kindness Day, 13th November 2021
Shining the spotlight on the truly kind acts that people do. This day is meant to encourage people everywhere to do “random acts of kindness”, as well as more purposeful and commitment-filled acts of kindness.
National Grief Awareness Week, 2nd – 8th December 2021
Trying to normalise grief and get people talking about this typically uncomfortable subject on a national platform in the UK.
2022 campaigns/awareness dates around mental and emotional health and wellbeing are as follows:
Time to Talk Day, 3rd February 2022
Getting people to talk about mental health and by doing so helping to change lives.
(Time to Change closed its doors in March 2021 but the movement continues)
International Day of Happiness, 21st March 2022
The “pursuit of happiness” is a basic human right and goal. And there is also the basic assumption that, in order to promote world happiness, initiatives should be undertaken to eradicate poverty, establish equality, and protect the environment.
Stress Awareness Month, April 2022
Increasing public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.
World Day for Health and Safety at Work, 28th April 2022
Intended to focus international attention on emerging trends in the field of occupational safety and health and on the magnitude of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities worldwide
Mental Health Awareness Week, 13th – 20th May 2022
A UK event supported by the Mental Health Foundation. The aim is to educate the public about mental health issues and to promote better mental health.
Loneliness Awareness Week, 13th – 17th June 2022
Loneliness is a normal human emotion and is something that can affect anybody at any point during their life. Loneliness has become a significant issue for many more people over the past year as large numbers of people have been isolated due to the pandemic.
24/7 Samaritans – The Big Listen, 24th July 2022
Every six seconds, somebody contacts Samaritans. Ten times a minute they help someone turn their life around. Why not get involved on 24 July and pledge to become a better listener?
World Suicide Prevention Day, September 2022 (tbc)
Promoting worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.
International Week of Happiness at Work, 19th – 25th September 2022
Happiness at Work should be on the list of top-priorities of all organisations, big and small, national and international.
UK National Inclusion Week, 26th September – 2nd October 2022
Designed to celebrate everyday inclusion in all its forms.
National Work Life Week, 10th – 14th October 2022
For employers to show employees, and potential candidates your organisation has a flexible working culture and appreciates work life balance.
World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2022
An opportunity to raise awareness and advocacy against mental health stigma.
International Stress Awareness Week, 7th – 11th November 2022
Raise awareness, publicity and profile of stress and its impact, and reduce stigma while promoting the importance of wellbeing and stress reduction.
World Kindness Day, tbc November 2022
Shining the spotlight on the truly kind acts that people do. It is meant to encourage people everywhere to do “random acts of kindness”, as well as more purposeful and commitment-filled acts of kindness.
National Grief Awareness Week, 2nd – 8th December 2022
Trying to normalise grief and get people talking about this typically uncomfortable subject on a national platform.