LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING – MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2025
16 May 2025
This Mental Health Awareness Week (12th to 18th May), people in Coventry and Warwickshire are being encouraged to think about how they can look after their mental health and wellbeing and how they can access support if they need it.
This year’s theme is ‘community’. Being part of a safe and positive community is crucial for promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Strong connections with other people and a sense of community not only offer us support when we need it but also remind us that we are not alone.
It’s important to remember that looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Just like physical health, the most effective way to look after our mental health is by being proactive and taking steps to prevent issues from occurring in the first place.
There are general things that we can do to maintain overall health and wellbeing, including making sure to get enough sleep, connecting with loved ones, and being more active.
However, everyone will have different methods that work for them and there is no one size fits all approach. The important thing is to find the methods that help you stay happy and healthy.
No matter how proactive someone is, there may be times when they need support. Mental health challenges are common, with one in four adults experiencing them each year. It’s important to seek help if you need it. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength not weakness.
If you are struggling with your mental health, there are a range of mental health and wellbeing services available across Coventry and Warwickshire that can provide the support you need. Both Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council have information on their websites outlining the support available in those areas.
Remember, if you or someone you are with is in a mental health crisis and needs urgent support, call 111 or go to 111 online and select the mental health option. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week and to ensure that everyone in Coventry and Warwickshire can access information, advice and support for their mental health and wellbeing, a range of web pages have been created on the Happy Healthy Lives website.
These pages provide tips and ideas for how people can look after their mental health and wellbeing, where they can go to for support should they need it. The pages also provide an insight into the work being done in Coventry and Warwickshire to promote and support better mental health and wellbeing.
Dr Imogen Staveley, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, said:
“Mental health and wellbeing plays a vital role in all of our lives and our overall health, so it’s really important that we all take steps to help improve our overall wellbeing. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone to think about what methods work for them and continue to find ways to boost their mental health and wellbeing each and every day.
“However, if you are struggling with your mental health, there’s a range of support available. Please reach out to your local mental health services if you need help.”
Shade Agboola, Director of Public Health at Warwickshire County Council, said:
“We know that interactions with others can be a boost to our health and wellbeing. Meeting a friend or walking through the park with a family member or neighbour can help us feel supported. There are several activities in the County, including book clubs, walking groups, and football and yoga clubs available to everyone in Warwickshire. These groups and communities are made up of people from all backgrounds and ages.
“Trying something new and expanding your horizons is one of the best ways to boost your mental health.”
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, said:
“It’s vital that health agencies, local councils and the community work together to support with mental health.
“There are many different ways people can look after their mental health and wellbeing, from mindfulness, to exercise, to connecting with loved ones. Whatever method works for you, taking time out to do things that promote positive mental health is crucial.
“Remember, you’re not alone. If you need support, then it is there for you. Whether that’s information on how you can look after your wellbeing or support from a mental health professional.”
Richard Onyon, Chief Medical Officer at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said:
“Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the support available for those struggling with their mental health and check in with our own mental wellbeing.
“At CWPT, we encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to get the support they need. NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies can help those struggling with anxiety or depression, as well as other mental health problems, and you can self-refer to the service online by visiting https://talkingtherapies.covwarkpt.nhs.uk or by calling us on 024 7667 1090.”