Mental Health Awareness Week

We are proud to support the Mental Health Foundation this Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May) with a theme of ‘Moving more for our mental health’.

Being active is important for everyone’s mental health and is one of the 5 ways to wellbeing, a tool that anyone can use to improve personal mental wellbeing.

Studies show that physical activity can improve mood, self-esteem, and sleep, as well as reduce stress, depression, and anxiety levels.

Whatever your age and level of physical ability, there are lots of ways to get active in a way that works for you.

Mental health and physical activity are a key part of our upcoming 10-year strategy for sport and physical activity, Let's Get Moving Brighton & Hove!

The strategy aims to find the best ways to support people to move more; reduce the impacts of sedentary lifestyles; and improve the health and wellbeing of people in the city.

Councillor Bruno De Oliveira, chair of the Health & Wellbeing, said: “This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're supporting the Mental Health Foundation to get everyone moving more for their mental health.

“Everyone can get the mental health benefits of moving more, and with our busy lives it's all about finding what works for you. There are many ways you can move more, for free or for little cost and there is something for everyone in our city.

“It is also a great chance to meet new people, make new friends and feel connected to your community which also helps support our mental health.”

Healthwalks

One way that people can move more is through walking. For National Walking Month, our Healthy Lifestyles team are leading Healthwalks across the city - there's no need to book, just turn up!

• Women’s Walk & Talk (1 to 2 miles) - 1pm, Wednesday 15 May. Meet at Queens Park, by the pond at South Avenue BN2 0GD
• Sheepcoat Valley Healthwalk (4.5 miles) - 11am, Saturday 18 May. Meet at East Brighton Café Building, BN2 5UA
• Brighton Rocks Walk: undercliff geology (4 miles) - 1pm, Saturday 18 May. Meet at bus stop opposite Saltdean Lido, BN2 8SP
• LGBTQ+ Downland Healthwalk (2 miles) - 10am, Friday 24 May. Meet at free car park off Roedean Road, below Roedean School
• Menopause Healthwalk (1.5 miles) - 5.30pm, Wednesday 29 May 5.30pm. Meet at Meeting Place Café by the Peace Statue, BN3 2WN 

Some other ways you can be more active for free include:

• Watch physical activity videos on our YouTube channel such as seated yoga and Pilates
• Speak to local Health Trainers to increase confidence & motivation and set realistic goals
• Download the BetterPoints app to get local discounts when you walk or cycle in the city
• Check out national resources from Better Health, Sense, Activity Alliance and We Are Undefeatable

If you want free support around mental health and wellbeing, help is available:

• Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, carer, neighbour, or teacher
• Your doctor can give advice about local support and treatment
• e-wellbeing provides online resources on mental health for children and young people
• UOK is a network of local services supporting good mental wellbeing for adults
• Sussex Mental Health Line provides 24/7 support from NHS clinicians. Call 111 and select the mental health option
• Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service offers NHS Talking Therapies for people of any age living with low mood or anxiety
• Find out more about accessing local support in a mental health emergency