Mind

Pride can bring joy, connection and celebration, but it can also bring fear, uncertainty and difficult feelings. We know that the world around us, from public debates to changes in guidance, can affect how safe and supported people feel. This Pride, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone, and if you're struggling we're here for you 💙 Thanks so much to @fightthroughmentalhealth for this beautiful illustration.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) helped bring our message into the real world. You may have spotted our posters across their train stations 👀 It might seem like a small thing, but moments like this really matter. If someone is already struggling or having a tough day, seeing a message like this could make a huge difference. It’s a simple reminder that they’re not alone and support is there. ASICS also got involved, spotlighting real post-exercise faces to encourage everyone to #GetTheGlow through movement, not as a beauty shortcut, but as a simple, accessible step to support our mental wellbeing. Their eye-catching campaign raises awareness of the positive impact of movement on our mental health and helps to make exercise feel accessible to everyone. And Virgin Money encouraged people to pop in for a chat about their money worries, with all branch teams trained in partnership with Mind and SAMH. A great example of how everyday spaces can become places of support. Partnerships like these help us reach more people who need us. If you’re inspired by what you’ve seen and would like to support Mind, we’d love to hear from you. https://lnkd.in/eKRdeKcs

With more hot days ahead, please share this. Not everyone knows how medication can impact our body’s ability to keep cool. Check the information leaflet on your medication for side effects and risks. If you have concerns, speak to a GP or pharmacist. They can advise you more on your own medication.

If you ever compare your mental health journey to others, or if you ever get frustrated at where you’re at now vs where you want to be. This is for you. Something we want you to remember ⤵️ Remember this: Everyone experiences poor mental health differently. Self-care, support, and treatment may also look different for each person. It’s about what works for you at this stage of your journey. And it’s okay if that changes in the future. Remember healing is not linear. And there is someone else who has felt the same as you. You’re not alone.

We’re proud to support Celebration Day - a day to take a moment to celebrate the lives of those who shaped us. Share your fond memories of those you want to remember today below 🩵 If you’re struggling with grief, you deserve support. Our bereavement information has suggestions for coping and getting help.

The Government is trialling some changes to the ‘Fit Note’ system. In four local pilots, people will be offered more targeted support if they are unwell and struggling to work, rather than just being signed off work by a GP. When people seek a Fit Note because of poor mental health, it rarely leads to them being offered the wider support they need. Giving people the chance to have detailed conversations about the challenges they face and the support they need is a positive step. These pilots could mark the start of real improvements to the Fit Note system. But it’s vitally important that this is a supportive and collaborative process. People with mental health problems must not feel pressured to work when they don’t feel able, or to return to workplaces that are not supporting their mental health. For too long, people with mental health problems have been forced to engage with a benefits system that can make them feel as though they have to ‘prove’ they need support. Trust will need to be rebuilt if these reforms are going to work.

What we witnessed on the streets of London last weekend was vile Islamophobia. We need to call it out for what it is. Things feel heavy right now. From the political landscape changing fast to blatant racism being celebrated on our streets. And more specifically, Muslim communities were once again forced to watch people weaponise fear, chant division, and treat their existence as a threat to our country. Those people do not represent us. You should never be made to feel less safe, less welcome, or less British. We will not stay quiet when Muslim women’s bodies, clothing and voices are becoming battlegrounds for political rage. Muslim women should never be expected to absorb racism, misogyny and public hostility ever. Racism, sexism, Islamophobia and misogyny have no place in our society and we will call it out whenever we see it. To our Muslim friends: We see you. We stand with you. If you are struggling with your mental health, visit our website where you can find advice, information and services that can help. We are here for you. And if you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, report it via the link in the comments. You are not alone.

We're curious to know

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia. Being LGBTQIA+ is not a mental health problem. And it does not cause mental health problems. But discrimination does. We all have a responsibility to stand against it. You should never be treated differently for who you are, how you identify, or who you love. If you have experienced homophobia, biphobia, lesbophobia or transphobia, take a look at some of the support on our website. It includes information for each community within the LGBTQIA+ acronym.

This is huge politcal moment (but not what you’re thinking).