We’re supporting Mental Health Awareness Week and its loneliness theme
We are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (May 9 – 15, 2022) and its theme of loneliness.
As part of the event we are highlighting the vital role our support workers play in alleviating loneliness and contributing to positive mental health.
Loneliness one of the largest health concerns
According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, loneliness is one of the largest health concerns we face as it impacts on mental and physical health. The campaign says there are nine million lonely people in the UK and four million of them are older people. Many older people find constant loneliness the hardest to overcome. The Mental Health Foundation says reducing loneliness is a major step towards a mentally healthy society.
This is why we are getting behind Mental Health Awareness Week, created by The Mental Health Foundation, as it will explore loneliness, its effect on our mental health and how we can all play a part in reducing loneliness in our communities.
The role of support workers
There is a common misconception that the role of support workersis simply to administer medication and help people with basic daily tasks, however, there is a great deal more involved.
It’s an important part of our role to ensure they have daily socialisation and interaction. As a not-for-profit we’re focused on the emotional wellbeing of our service users, as well as seeing to their physical needs, as we want them to have the best life possible. That’s why we’re backing this national campaign and take seriously the need for our support workersto spend time to have a chat, share a joke and to make a cuppa with someone. If we are able to brighten someone’s day in the process, then this is a big plus.
Hear from our service users
Graham Rabbitts, who cares for his wife Dairne, alongside support workers provided by us, said: “The companionship from the carers that visit Dairne undoubtedly helps with her self-esteem. Even though we cope quite well most of the time, the existence of regular care would be invaluable if I were to fall ill. We are provided with a reliable service and we get to know the staff as friends.”
Loneliness has been exacerbated by the pandemic
The Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Mental Health in the Pandemic’ research found that loneliness has been exacerbated by the pandemic. It has been a factor in contributing to higher levels of distress, resulting in people’s sense of isolation and reduced ability to connect with others.
Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, says on www.mentalhealth.org.uk: “Loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health during the pandemic. That is why we have chosen it as our theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2022.”
If you or a loved-one need support at home, please click here.
If you are interested in becoming a support worker, please head to our job vacancy page to see our latest openings.