Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 13 – Sunday 19 May 2024. The theme, as set by the Mental Health Foundation, is “Movement: moving for our mental health.” 

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is a pivotal event aimed at fostering understanding and support for mental wellbeing. Through various initiatives, discussions, and activities, it seeks to dismantle stigma, promote self-care, and encourage open dialogue about mental health challenges. With a focus on resilience, coping strategies, and access to resources, this week empowers individuals to prioritise their mental wellness. By raising awareness and building empathy, it endeavours to create a more compassionate and inclusive society where everyone's mental health is valued and supported. 

What can businesses do to support mental health and employee wellbeing?  

As part of our continued commitment to supporting mental health in the workplace, MHR has released a brand new Mental Health at Work guide.

Andy and Alice reviewed this guide and summarised their learnings from this week. These include:  

• How much of an issue is mental health in businesses?

Did you know that mental illness is responsible for 72 million working days lost and costs £34.9 billion each year? At any given time, 1 in 6 working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill health. Every year it costs businesses £1,300 per employee whose mental health needs are unsupported. On top of this, there is a major disconnect between senior business leaders and the wider workforce. 69% of UK line managers say that supporting employee wellbeing is a core skill, but only 13% have received mental health training. Only 14% of employees feel able to disclose a mental health issue to a manager. 

• The key impact mental health has on businesses  
• Approaching the issue with empathy  
• Handling burnout  
• Supportive strategies, including surveys, mental health first aiders, encouraging open culture and offering independent support.

We have released a range of additional guides and content in support of Mental Health Awareness Week. Check out our knowledge hub to discover more.