CNTW backs Mental Health Awareness Week

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), which provides mental health and disability services, is backing Mental Health Awareness Week to drive conversations on mental illness and create lasting change.

Taking place all throughout this week (May 18-24), the campaign has been hosted by the Mental Health Foundation since 2001 and has focussed on themes such as body image, stress and relationships.

This year’s theme is kindness, something we have seen in abundance amid the coronavirus pandemic.

John Lawlor, chief executive at CNTW, said: “In these challenging times, kindness has prevailed all over the world. We have learnt that while there is a lot of fear and uncertainty, there is also kindness, spirit and hope.

“It has been heart-warming to see our members of staff helping each other during this difficult time and going above and beyond to make patients and colleagues feel supported.

“We cannot thank our staff enough for their unfailing and unwavering kindness.”

The Mental Health Awareness Week campaign reaches millions of people each year and works to drive change for a mentally healthy society for all.

Mental health can affect anyone at any time, with one in four people experiencing problems with their mental health at some point in their lives.

Acts of kindness are not only good for the recipient, but they can be good for our own mental health and wellbeing; helping to reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing.

Staff at CNTW have been putting together wellbeing packs for patients to support the campaign.

Thanks to donations from businesses and money donated from Captain Tom Moore’s heroic fundraising efforts, around 650 inpatients from across the Trust’s four localities will receive a pack of toiletries, snacks and activities to keep them entertained.

John added: “Due to measures put in place because of COVID-19, the wards have not been able to have any visitors which can be hard on patients who miss their families.

“The wellbeing packs will hopefully serve as a pick-me-up and bring some comfort in these testing times.”