Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event in May that puts a huge focus on the causes and effects of poor mental health and what we can do to support those struggling. The Mental Health Foundation started the event 22 years ago, and each year the Foundation continues to set the theme, organise and host the week. The event has grown to become one of the biggest awareness weeks not only across the UK, but also globally.
This year’s theme is all about nature and the positive impact it has on our wellbeing. So, take a moment to step outside and connect with the natural world around you. Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health and we need to find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness. We can all play a part in this.
Here at Tops, we host a range of activities to positively impact the children’s mental health, such as our Boogie Mites and Yoga extra-curricular clubs which help to relieve stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that physical exercise releases dopamine and endorphins in the brain, two neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness.
We also do things that have a positive impact on our communities. For example, the children regularly visit local care homes. Over 1.4 million elderly people in the UK are lonely so, for some residents, our children are the only visitors they have.
Find out more about how you can support your child’s mental health here.
Providing happy, nurturing childcare for the hours you need, across over 30 nursery settings in: Babbacombe, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Charminster, Copnor, Fawley, Gillingham, Corfe Mullen, Havant, Lakeside, Lymington, Taunton, Newport, Poole, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Southsea, Wareham, Wimborne, Winchester and Yeovil.
