Mental health awareness week 

Mental health awareness week takes place next week (15-21 May), with the theme of anxiety. 

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem. 

Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. 

Focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. 

Training 

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we are offering two online training sessions for voluntary sector staff working in projects focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. 

These are two-hour, online sessions called Ask, Tell.  

People who attend should find themselves better equipped to support their own and other’s mental health, have compassionate conversations and an awareness of Suicide Prevention. 

Wednesday 17 May -10am – 12pm 

Thursday 18 May 2pm – 4pm 

 Anyone interested in participating, should contact Elaine Johnston (elaine.johnston@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk) to register interest. 

Free Online Mindfulness Sessions  

Using Mindfulness to Deal with Anxiety 

Wed 17 May 10am- 11am

Please register: https://tenforzen.clickmeeting.com/using-mindfulness-to-deal-with-anxiety-with-martin-stepek/register 

Managing Anxiety to get a Good Night Sleep 

Wed 17 May, 7pm- 8pm 

Please register: 

https://tenforzen.clickmeeting.com/managing-anxiety-to-get-a-good-nights-sleep-with-martin-stepek/register 

Building Resilience to Cope with Anxiety 

Fri 19 May 12 – 1pm 

Please register:- https://tenforzen.clickmeeting.com/building-resilience-to-cope-with-anxiety-with-martin-stepek/register 

For more information on other activities happening during Mental Health Awareness week please go to:  https://www.elament.org.uk/support-projects-groups/projects-campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week-may-2023/ 

Further support is available on the following links: 

Anxiety 

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-04/MHAW23-coping-with-anxiety-tips.pdf 

Calm Distress- An online course all about emotions, coping and wellbeing 

https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/how-we-can-help-you/calm-distress-online-course-overview/ 

Daylight and Sleepio-Two online programs to help manage anxiety and get a better night’s sleep https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/how-we-can-help-you/daylight-and-sleepio-courses/ 

Beating The Blues- An online programme Designed to help with symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and low mood.
https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk/how-we-can-help-you/beating-the-blues/ 

Information on anxiety 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/anxiety 

Children & Young People 

Anxiety Booklet for Secondary school age Resources for Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 | Mental Health Foundation  

Let’s Introduce Anxiety Management (LIAM) self-help resources: Workbooks to help all Parents, Carers and Trusted Adults to support their Children and Young People to manage Anxiety in an evidence-based manner: Early intervention for children | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot) 

Kooth A new digital, confidential mental health support service has been launched to support young people and adults in both North and South Lanarkshire. Kooth has been commissioned to provide the free online mental health support service to all 10-to 18-year-olds, and those aged up to 26-years-old who are care experienced. 

There are no waiting lists or referrals, and young people can register anonymously at www.kooth.com. 

For more information please feel free to contact Sarah Hatch shatch@kooth.com (North Lanarkshire Council area) or for South Lanarkshire Council contact Chevonne Bell cbell@kooth.com 

 Silver Cloud online course for parents and carers to support an anxious child or teenager www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk