This week marks the annual Mental Health Awareness Week.
Running from Monday (13 May) right through to this Sunday (19 May), the theme this year is the link between body image and mental health but, as ever, the over-riding aim is to raise awareness both of mental health and the support available.
“One of the key aims of Derbyshire Benevolent Trust is to support and enhance the wellbeing of members and therefore Mental Health Awareness Week is something we are keen to promote,” says trust manager Ian Godfrey.
“Your mental health can suffer at any time in your life – whether you are a serving officer or member of police staff dealing with the daily stresses and strains of policing or as a retired member of the Force perhaps suffering loneliness and isolation as you try to adjust to life outside of the police service.
“Beyond working life, there are, of course, other issues in people’s personal lives that can have an impact on their mental health – perhaps dealing with bereavement, marital issues or ill health.
“At one time, there appeared to be a real stigma to talking about mental health but, thankfully, people are being more open about it and hopefully that will benefit everyone.”
Latest statistics highlight that one in six adults experiences a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, and one in five adults has considered taking their own life at some point. A wide range of help and support is available both generally and through Derbyshire Benevolent Trust (DBT).
Members of DBT’s Group Insurance Scheme will have access to RedArc Plus which will put them in touch with a personal nurse adviser who can help members and their co-habiting family with support if they have a serious illness, suffer a bereavement or if they are struggling to cope with stress.
DBT also works in partnership with the Police Treatment Centres which offer mental health support and wellbeing programmes to their subscribing members.
The trust is supportive of the Swanwick Men’s Shed which allows men to come together to work on DIY projects and hobbies, sharing and passing on their skills.
Find out your good mental health score.
