{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"Did you know in 2020 Mind reported that 1 in 4 adults and 1 in\u00A010\u00A0young people experience a mental health problem?","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EMental Health Awareness Week is the 10 to 16 May this year.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMental health refers to the way we think, feel and act. Everybody has mental health, the same way everybody has physical health, and we all need to look after it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMental health can sometimes feel like a complex and intimidating subject. Lots of people, from all backgrounds and of all ages, can experience a mental health problem\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E, so being able to talk about it is important.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are plenty of things that can negatively impact mental wellbeing for young people and adults, such as a challenging time at work or at school.\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{}\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts have partnered with\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.mind.org.uk\u0022\u003EMind\u003C/a\u003E (England and Wales), \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.samh.org.uk\u0022\u003ESAMH\u003C/a\u003E (Scotland) and \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.inspirewellbeing.org\u0022\u003EInspire\u003C/a\u003E (Ireland) to help support you in running activities to help young people learn about and talk about mental health.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/19345/cubs-volunteer-talking.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A volunteer wearing a blue polo shirt and necker speaks while holding their hands in the air.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeven ways to promote good mental health\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EConnecting with others can help us have a greater sense of belonging and reduce feelings of\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eloneliness\u003Cspan\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EInteracting with people around you, your family, friends and neighbours can really help boost your mood.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou should spend time at Scouts meetings strengthening relationships between your young people and helping them make friends. You might want to run teamwork activities, getting to know you games or have a relaxed board game night for everyone to get chatting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt Scouts, you could put five minutes aside each week to find out how a member of your group really is, including volunteers. Remember to say thank you, too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts is a great way to make new friends, too. Remember to make friends with other volunteers, have social events for your volunteer team or organise a volunteer event for your area.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOutside of Scouts, you could check in with, chat to and make increase friendships with existing friends, old friends, neighbours or people in your activity class. See if any of them fancy a walk, chat, volunteering, or doing something fun together to boost the friendship. You could find a new hobby, local community project or group to make friends, too.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"1. Connect"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPhysical activity releases feel-good hormones that make you feel better in yourself, helps manage stress and give you more energy\u003Cspan\u003E. \u003C/span\u003EKeep everyone feeling good by getting active and doing something your group can all enjoy together.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could go on a walk or hike, go swimming or kayaking, spend some time gardening, organise a bike ride or Pilates class, play Capture the Flag, or have a game of football or rounders.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy not get parents, carers or the wider district involved in a Sports Day?\u00A0Even a quick warm up game of Duck, Duck Goose or Captain\u0027s Coming will help everyone to feel refreshed at the start of a meeting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhile being active, it\u0027s important to remember that drinking enough water is important for your mental and physical health.\u00A0The NHS has helpful information on \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/\u0022 title=\u0022NHS website - Eat well\u0022\u003Ehow to maintain a balanced diet\u003C/a\u003E, too.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EBasic self-care and looking after yourself, such as brushing your teeth or having a shower, is important for your physical health and can help you feel better. You could try to remind people of small goals, especially on camp, such as brushing your hair or washing your face.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"2. Being active and looking after yourself"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment. And spending time in green spaces has been found to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBecome more aware of your surroundings and what is happening right now.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake a moment to pause, look and listen to what\u0027s happening around you.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFollow these steps for a new way to experience your surroundings. This can also be a chance to get some gentle exercise, if you would like to and feel able to.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFind a green space, go outside or sit by an open window. When you get there, stop for a moment and take a deep breath.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStart exploring slowly. Try not to focus on getting somewhere in particular. Really focus on any movement you make. If you\u0027re walking, notice which part of your foot touches the ground first, and feel the transfer of weight through your foot.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENotice the ground underneath you. Is it grass or earth? Does the ground feel soft? What colours can you see?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThink about the rest of your body. How are you holding your arms? Does the air on your face feel cold or warm?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EListen to the sounds around you. Can you hear birdsong, or wind rustling through the leaves?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn Scouts, you could start with a circle and ask your members to each say something that was good about their day to show gratitude, make cards to say thank you to people, or you could run a meditation or mindfulness session for everyone to slow down and take some time for themselves.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could run the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 exercise for Scouts, too. If you\u0027re starting to feel stressed, overwhelmed or panicked, connecting with your five senses can help to ground yourself in the present moment.\u00A0You can do this exercise anywhere and it doesn\u0027t need any special equipment.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt goes like this:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli data-gc-list-depth=\u00221\u0022 data-gc-list-style=\u0022ordered\u0022\u003ELook around you and notice five things you can see. It could be a pen, a mark on the wall, or someone\u0027s shoes. You can name these in your head or out loud, or write them down.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-gc-list-depth=\u00221\u0022 data-gc-list-style=\u0022ordered\u0022\u003EName four things you can touch or feel around you. For example, your hair, your nose, the ground under your feet or the air on your skin.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-gc-list-depth=\u00221\u0022 data-gc-list-style=\u0022ordered\u0022\u003EName three things you can hear around you. This could be something outside, or your own breathing.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-gc-list-depth=\u00221\u0022 data-gc-list-style=\u0022ordered\u0022\u003EName two things you can smell around you. It doesn\u0027t have to be a strong smell, and you can take a short walk around to find something if you want to.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-gc-list-depth=\u00221\u0022 data-gc-list-style=\u0022ordered\u0022\u003EName one thing you can taste at the moment.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","label":"3. Take notice"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDoing something creative can help distract you from difficult thoughts or feelings, or help you to process them. It can also be rewarding.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could try doing something creative, such as drawing, playing a musical instrument or baking. Try not to worry about the finished product. Just focus on enjoying yourself.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ELearning a new skill in a group can be enjoyable, and help boost your confidence, too.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EKeep learning new skills or fun facts by trying something different and exploring the world around you.\u0026nbsp;You could find out how to do a magic trick, learn about science or discover how to grow vegetables.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could complete a badge as a unit that helps to boost your group\u0027s knowledge, run a community activity to help develop a sense of pride, or discover ways to increase your young people\u0027s self esteem and confidence.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EOnline learning is a good option if it\u0027s difficult to get out and about or you\u0027re short on time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"4. Be creative and keep learning"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EUsing your time to help others can give you a sense of purpose, help you meet people and boost your self-esteem.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EGiving to others is a great way to make yourself feel good too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStart a community impact project or have everyone volunteer with a local charity. You could even encourage a new volunteer to join you!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities?outcome=Help%20your%20community\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?outcome=Help%20your%20community\u0022\u003Eactivities to help your community\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"5. Give back and help others"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESpending time in nature outdoors can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and frustration.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou could have lunch outside, go for a walk, build a wildlife home or explore a local park. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou could try gardening or bird-watching, or you might want to take it a\u00A0step further and try cycling, hiking or watersports.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ELots of people find that being with animals is calming and enjoyable. You could try pet-sitting or dog walking, feed birds from your window, or visit a local community farm.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou could bring nature indoors, too.\u00A0This can give you the benefits of the outdoors without having to go to a park or public garden. You could buy flowers, potted plants or seeds for growing on your window sill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EOr, you could collect natural materials from outdoors, such as leaves, flowers, feathers, and use them to decorate your living space or create artwork.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EScouts is also a great way to get outdoors. Why not try to plan at least one or two sessions outdoors each term if you can? Take a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities?setting=Outdoors\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?setting=Outdoors\u0022\u003Eoutdoor activities.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"6. Spend time with nature and animals"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf you\u0027re feeling overwhelmed by a stressful situation, try to take a break. A change of scene can help you to relax and relieve feelings of anxiety, even just for a few minutes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ETry to make time to do an activity you like on a regular basis. This could be something small, such as\u00A0baking your favourite snack, ringing a friend or listening to music.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou may want to practice mindfulness.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques like meditation, breathing exercises and yoga. It\u0027s been shown to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. This means that instead of being overwhelmed by your feelings, it becomes easier to manage them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf you find that being on your phone or computer a lot is making you feel more busy and stressed, try to take a break. This could be for just an hour or two. If you find this difficult, try putting your phone in another room or setting an alarm to time yourself.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"7. Take a break, including from your screens, and do something you enjoy"}]},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/19211/squirrels-and-volunteers-holding-leaves.jpg","width":1200,"height":800,"altText":"Three Squirrels in red jumpers hold up leaves to show two volunteers standing in front of them.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow you can get involved in Mental Health Awareness week\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake part in one of our many \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities?name=mindfulmoments\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=mindfulmoments\u0022\u003Eactivities to help promote and boost good mental health\u003C/a\u003E. Some of our favourite ones are:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/build-a-wellbeing-box/\u0022 title=\u0022Build a wellbeing box\u0022\u003EBuild a wellbeing box\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/take-a-shake-break/\u0022 title=\u0022Take a shake break\u0022\u003ETake a shake break\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/keepie-uppie/\u0022 title=\u0022Keepie uppie\u0022\u003EKeepie uppies\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/blocks-with-feelings/\u0022 title=\u0022Blocks with feelings\u0022\u003EBlock with feelings\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/wake-up-to-yoga/\u0022 title=\u0022Wake up to yoga\u0022\u003EWake up to yoga\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/cards-that-care/\u0022 title=\u0022Cards that care\u0022\u003ECards that care\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/my-heart-in-the-hills/\u0022 title=\u0022My heart in the hills\u0022\u003EMy heart in the hills\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/organise-a-de-stresstival/\u0022 title=\u0022Organise a de-stresstival\u0022\u003EOrganise a destresstival\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/19153/squirrel-lighting-fire.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Squirrel wearing a red jumper sits next to a volunteer while trying to light a fire.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelp and support\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Visit the Childline website","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EChildline is yours \u2013 a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. They\u2019re here for you online, on the phone, anytime.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChildline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can talk to them:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eby calling for free on\u00A00800 1111\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eby \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/locker/email/\u0022 title=\u0022Email - Locker\u0022\u003Eemail \u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethrough \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat/\u0022 title=\u00221-2-1 counsellor chat - Get support\u0022\u003E1-2-1 counsellor chat\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":{"name":null,"id":null,"url":"https://www.childline.org.uk","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"NSPCC\u2019s Childline","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Visit the Samaritans website","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESamaritans \u003Cspan\u003Eare there, day or night, for anyone who\u2019s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can talk to them:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eby calling for free on\u0026nbsp;116 123\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eby emailing \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jo@samaritans.org\u0022\u003Ejo@samaritans.org\u003C/a\u003E (please note it may take several days to get a response by email)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eby writing to \u003Cspan\u003EFreepost SAMARITANS LETTERS\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":{"name":null,"id":null,"url":"https://www.samaritans.org","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Samaritans","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMind p\u003Cspan\u003Erovide advice and support in England and Wales to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou can talk to them:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBy calling\u0026nbsp;0300 123 3393 (open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBy emailing\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:info@mind.org.uk\u0022\u003Einfo@mind.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:info@mind.org.uk\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003EBy writing to Mind Infoline, PO Box 75225, London, E15 9FS\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022container\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022row clearfix\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022col-md-12 column \u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPlease note Mind\u0027s Infoline is an information and signposting service. Please note that calls from UK landlines are charged at local rates. Charges from mobile telephones vary. The charge for your call will depend on your mobile phone provider and the contract that you have with them. Mind doesn\u0027t get any money from telephone calls.\u0026nbsp;They record all our calls for training and quality purposes. All calls are treated in confidence.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can talk to Mind about:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMental health problems\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhere to get help near you\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETreatment options\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAdvocacy services\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPlease note Mind don\u2019t provide a listening service or a crisis service, but their \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/\u0022 title=\u0022Helplines \u0026amp; listening services\u0022\u003Ecrisis helplines\u003C/a\u003E web page lists many services that do. As well as Mind\u0027s Infoline, their email or web chat service, there are lots of \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/\u0022 title=\u0022Where to start\u0022\u003Eother ways to get support\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","link":{"name":null,"id":null,"url":"https://www.mind.org.uk","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Mind","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"07 May 2021","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[],"relatedLinks":[],"id":48661,"nodeName":"Mental Health Awareness Week","title":"Mental Health Awareness Week","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/6626/build-a-wellbeing-box.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1d9bece9fdad740","caption":"Build a wellbeing box (scene)","type":"jpg","size":352779,"width":1920,"height":1080,"altText":"Four Scouts filled boxes with different notes and items to aid wellbeing."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Mental Health Awareness Week","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Mental Health Awareness Week 10-16 May","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80ODY2MSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2021/may/mental-health-awareness-week/"}