Blues Foundation support Mental Health Awareness Week

Blues Foundation are proud to be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 through our enrichment programmes, activity projects and with support from our Ambassadors.

The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21st year and runs from 10-16 May. We are showing our support across Bedfordshire by promoting positive mental and physical wellbeing through sport and exercise.

Click the video above to find out how Foundation Ambassadors, Max McMurdo and Mouritz Botha focus on their mental health, while also sharing some key tips to help not only yourself but those around you.

Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, Mark Rowland said: “Mental Health Awareness Week has grown to be one of the biggest awareness weeks in the UK. This year the theme is on nature and its central role for our mental health. 

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and our research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature in some way and its power in both prevention of and recovery from poor mental health.

“During the week, we want to hear millions of people’s stories about how the natural world has supported their mental health.”

Key Mental Health statistics in 2021:

  • 450 million people currently suffer from a mental illness, according to a report published by the World Health Organization.

  • 1 in 4 Americans currently suffers from at least one mental illness.

  • 80% of people suffering from a schizophrenic disorder can reduce symptoms and the possibility of relapses, via medical help, therapy, and family assistance.

  • Around 9.5% of US citizens above 18 years old encounter a depressive illness every year.

  • In the UK, 1 in 3 college students has dealt with a serious psychological issue. Similarly, 1 in 5 teens suffer from a mental illness, yet many avoid seeking help.

  • 73% of young people have concerns for their mental health, and feel the need to talk to someone about it

  • 33% of the US adults reported mental health concerns since the COVID-19 outbreak

  • 11% of teens report experiencing one major depressive episode during the last year

  • More than 37,500 UK students from a total of 140 universities suffer from a mental illness

For any further information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week and how to get help if you need it, visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

Don’t forget, keep checking our website regularly and all our social media channels to hear first about our latest initiatives; or sign up to our newsletter by clicking here for regular updates.

You can find Blues Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can contact Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood via email at info@bluesfoundation.org.uk with any specific questions you may have.

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