Mental Health Resolution 2018 - what can we do?

‘Mental health matters as much as physical health. The NFWI urges all WI members to recognise the importance of parity between mental health and physical health, and take action to make it as acceptable to talk about mental health issues as much as physical health issues, and to lobby government for better support for mental illness.’ Callow End WI, Worcestershire Federation

‘I urge you to support this motion and more than that, to work together with the
other people who are feeling the same to create a genuine step change in mental
health care in this country - because people deserve it’.
Andrew Molodynski, Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, NFWI Annual Meeting 2018

Here are some ideas: 

1. Find out how you can look after your mental health. As a starting point, we’re encouraging members to think about how they can look after their own mental health, regardless of whether they are experiencing mental health problems. Specialist charities such as Rethink Mental Illness advise finding something that’s right for you.
2. Learn how to start a conversation about mental health. We want to make it as acceptable to talk about mental health as it is about physical health and are asking members to help break down the stigma associated with mental health. Just starting a conversation with someone by asking them how they are can help by letting that person know that you care. It can sometimes make a big difference and make it easier for people to say how they are feeling.
3. Help change attitudes towards mental health.
You could get in touch with your local Mind to explore volunteering opportunities. Some local Minds, for example, offer training to become a volunteer speaker on mental health. Why not see what’s available in your area by contacting your local Mind?
4. In light of the reported benefits of gardening, we’d love to hear from members with ideas about how to engage WIs in the mental health mandate specifically through this activity. Send in ideas to publicaffairs@ nfwi.org.uk and you could see your suggestion promoted nationally in the spring! Please also share with us any other ideas around craft, sport and music, for example.