Mental Health Awareness Week

 9th - 15th May 2022

Loneliness

Loneliness affects the mental health of millions of people across the UK.

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is raising awareness of the link between loneliness and mental health issues.  Loneliness is affecting more and more people in the UK and has had a huge impact on many peoples physical and mental health during the pandemic. Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health and we need to find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness. We can all play a part in this.    

So, in May 2022, The Mental Health Foundation will be raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental wellbeing and the practical steps we can take to address it.    

Reducing loneliness is a major step towards a mentally healthy society.

Over this week - and in the future: 

• Smile! Take time to smile at people around you.  A smile can light up somone's day - a smile is contagious! 
• Connect with people you haven't spoken to for a while:  Send a text, make a call, arrange a lunchdate and reconnect with family and friends you haven't spoken to for a while.  
• Make a friend: Encourage your child to speak to, or play with someone who may be on their own in the playground or at a club they attend.
• Talk about loneliness: Explain loneliness to your children, and why it is important to stay connected to those around us.  Do they remember what it was like during the pandemic lockdown? Did they feel lonely? Did you feel lonely? Talk about it, and watch the video below together.

Please do send in photos (please send to headteacher@cove-inf.hants.sch.uk) of your time spent reconnecting with family and friends, if you are happy for these to be shared on our website.