The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October each year as an opportunity to start conversations about mental health.

This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘make mental health and well-being for all a global priority’.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, adding fuel to short- and long-term stresses. It’s estimated that during the first year of the pandemic, both anxiety and depressive disorders rose by more than 25%. Coinciding with this, mental health services have been severely disrupted.

Dévora Kestel, Director of the Mental Health and Substance Use Department at WHO, talks about why it’s so important to transform mental health for all.

“Never has it been so urgent for the world to prioritize mental health. The triple impact of COVID 19, climate change concerns and ongoing wars and conflicts is creating an enormous toll on our population — be they directly or indirectly impacted”

Stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health remain barriers to social inclusion and access to the appropriate care, and so World Mental Health Day is the perfect opportunity to collectively make a change. This is a chance for people of all walks of life to come together to be vocal about what we need to do to ensure Mental Health & Well-Being becomes a Global Priority for all.

The Groundwork North Wales group works with individuals and communities across North Wales to improve mental health and well-being.

  • Youth Shed offers young people the chance to learn away from the structured classroom environment. Offering these young people the chance to learn new skills, both social and practical, will improve their social well-being and equip them to be more emotionally resilient and able to deal with pressures in everyday life.
  • Lunch and Company improves social well-being through participation, reducing isolation and loneliness amongst older people by supporting them to stay connected and build new friendships. With so many of those over 60 feeling isolated since the pandemic, the luncheon club offers the chance to socialise, meet new people and enjoy a delicious meal with entertainment and activities.
  • Volunteering with Wild Ground, regular weekly outdoor volunteering sessions on Wild Ground reserves individuals can get involved in these sociable sessions. An opportunity to meet new people, have fun, and enjoy the natural environment. Help wildlife, learn new skills and boost job prospects.
  • Gardd Cyfle is our community garden space in Buckley, a fully accessible urban green space with opportunities for positive social well-being. The aim of this space is to strengthen community cohesion by encouraging interaction between local people.
  • Wood Shed helps those who face or are at risk of negative mental health, providing emotional and mental well-being support, alongside motivation and encouragement that will empower each individual to take action and create lasting change.

To keep up to date with projects and volunteering opportunities across the Groundwork North Wales group you can visit www.groundworknorthwales.org.uk or look for Groundwork North Wales on your social media.