The council is supporting the national campaign which aims to encourage open conversations around mental health.
This year’s theme is connecting with nature as it has a number of health benefits.
There are lots of ways residents can enjoy the great outdoors. Medway is home to eight award-winning parks that have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the best in the United Kingdom and around the world.
Medway also has a number of cycling groups and plenty of routes to explore. Last year, Medway Council also created new cycle lanes, installed new cycle racks and widened 11 miles of well-used public footpaths, thanks to active travel funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Release the Pressure
There are a number of support services available for residents who need extra support. If you’re feeling distressed, anxious or down, you can call: 0800 107 0160, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak to highly trained support workers who will provide emotional guidance and information.
Residents are also able to contact a mental health text service. Texts are free on all major mobile networks - by texting the word “Medway” to 85258, you will start a conversation with a trained and experienced volunteer who can give support at any time, wherever you are. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Kooth
Mental health support is also available for children and young people across Medway.
Kooth is an online service that offers mental health and wellbeing support for young people, provided by, XenZone.
Kooth enables Medway’s children and young people aged 11 to 25 to chat to counsellors through their instant messaging service using their online drop-in service or during a scheduled session. Young people can also read and contribute to articles concerned with mental health, join moderated forums and discussions enabling peer support as well as benefit from online journals and goal trackers.
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Public Health, said:
“I am pleased that we are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, the health and wellbeing of all Medway’s residents is our top priority. It is incredibly important that we all look after our mental health. Although life is beginning to return to normal, the coronavirus pandemic is still affecting all of us and I would encourage residents to access the services available if they need extra support.”
Medway Council’s child health team offer a range of mental health training and support to professionals working with children and young people in Medway. For more information, Email: childhealth@medway.gov.uk
For more information about mental health support in Medway, visit: medway.gov.uk/abettermedway
Medway Council
