This year, the theme for the week is ‘Loneliness’' and across the country, people will be reflecting on loneliness and how it impacts our mental health. Long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. In Bedford, local groups will be holding several wellbeing walks throughout the duration of the week
Mental Health Mates Bedford
Local mental health peer support group, Mental Health Mates Bedford, are holding an extra walk (in addition to their monthly meet ups).This will take place on Saturday from 11am, meeting at The Pavilion at Bedford Park.
Run by walk leaders, Cory and Janine, the walks are open to everyone, regardless of whether people have a diagnosis, and the aim is to provide the ‘we’ to those struggling alone with mental health issues. Members are able to walk and talk without fear of judgment.
If you would like to find out more information, head to the Mental Health Mates Bedford Facebook page, or email Cory &Janine through mentalhealthmatesbedford@outlook.com.
Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity
Also taking place are two wellbeing walks, being run by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity. Both walks will take place from 11:15am until 12:15pm, starting from The Barn in Cardington and will go around the Cardington area, finishing back at the starting point.
The first walk takes place tomorrow, and the other will be taking place on Thursday. If you want to attend, please register your FREE place on EventBrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bedfordshire-rural-communities-charity-46163406563
To find out more, head to their Facebook page
Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“We hope this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many of us who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid pandemic.
“Millions of us experience loneliness from time to time. We know that some people are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness and the evidence shows the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems.
“Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together - as individuals, as a society and through government policy- to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.”
Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week:
● During Mental Health Awareness Week use the hashtag #IveBeenThereto share experiences of loneliness to support others and give the campaign momentum.
● Sign up to walk, run or job as part of our 80Miles in May challenge and share your photos using #80MilesinMay and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #IveBeenThere and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
