Supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

 At Ignite Sport, we are proud to be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, to help highlight the importance of wellbeing for all.  

The theme this year is movement, with a focus on the many ways in which moving more can improve one’s mental, as well as physical, health and wellbeing.  

Mental health impactseveryone, and there are lots of ways people can incorporate strategies to support their mental health into their day to day lives. Over the course of this week, we are engaging in a range of activities to help raise awareness of how moving more can support wellbeing.   

The connection between body and mind 

There are lots of different ways in which people can bolster their mental health, but some of the most effective involve physical activity. This does not have to mean engaging in heavy exercise, but can be something as simple as going for a short walk, dancing in your sitting room, or even just taking the time to stand up and do a few stretches.  

The simplest types of movement can boost wellbeing and leave people feeling calmer and more energised. Playing sport as part of a team, or joining a weekly exercise class, adds an
additional layer of community which builds a sense of belonging.  

How we are getting involved 

· #MilesforMentalHealth: over the course of Mental Health Awareness Week, we are holding a competition to see who in the Ignite team can complete the most steps, with a prize for the winner. 

· Walking meetings: we are encouraging everyone to have walking meetings wherever possible – let’s hope the sun comes out. These kinds of short bursts of movement throughout the day are enormously beneficial for both physical and mental health.  

· Wear it Green: on Thursday, everyone is encouraged to wear something green to show their support for Mental Health Awareness Week.  

· Football Shirt Friday: the whole team will be wearing their football shirts on Friday and enjoying a delicious lunch, our treat. The only rule is no phones at the table – disconnecting from technology is a great way to focus on the present and build a sense of connection with others.  

Mental Health Champions 

The extra attention which Mental Health Awareness Week brings to wellbeing is enormously valuable, but at Ignite, we prioritise mental health all year round.  

From our dedicated team of Mental Health Champions, who are available to support both staff and customers, to our sports programmes, which build a sense of belonging, at Ignite, we know that mental health matters.  

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, we want you to know you are not alone.  

Here are some websites and numbers you may find helpful:  

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/  

https://www.samaritans.org/  

https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/help/  

Samaritans 24/7: 116 123  

National Suicide Prevention
line: 0800 689 5652  

If it is urgent or you are in a life-threatening situation, call 999.