Sutton Scene - Councillor Marian James Column 09/10/2020

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day and the theme for this year is ‘Mental Health for All.’ Looking after our mental health has become increasingly  important during these difficult months of lockdown and uncertainty about the future. Research undertaken by Mind with over 16,000 people showed that 60% of adults and 68% of young people said their mental health had got worse during lockdown.

In our borough, we have the Sutton Mental Health Foundation, the key organisation for supporting residents with mental health issues. You can go along and meet with them this Saturday (10 October) at Wallington Farmers Market from 9am to 1pm. They can offer support and provide you with useful information. You can also give your views on their plans to set up a ‘crisis cafe’ in Sutton. The borough’s Mayor will be visiting their stall at 11.30am.

For younger people, particularly those aged 14-25 years old, Thrive LDN  are holding a virtual Mental Health Day Festival tomorrow. There will be opportunities to discuss challenges faced by our younger residents, share experiences and take part in live activities, including a singing workshop with singer-songwriter Melissa James.

Some tips on how to look after your mental health: 

1. Talk about your feelings. 

2. Keep Active. 

3. Eat Well. 

4. Keep in touch with others.

5. Drink sensibly.

6. Ask for help. 

7. Take a break. 

8. Do something you are good at. 

9. Accept who you are. 

10. Care for others.

I will leave the final word to Sutton’s Lead Member for Mental Health, Councillor Ed Joyce:

“Our mental health is as important as our physical health. I urge everyone to talk about their mental health as they would about their physical health. Be kind to yourself and be kind to others.”