Participants in the conversation will be entered into a prize draw that will see 20 people win a £25 One4All gift card, that can be used at more than 130 stores nationwide and with online retailers.
Mental wellbeing does not have one set meaning. It might be used to talk about how someone is feeling, how well they are coping with daily life or what feels possible at a specific moment.
Good mental wellbeing does not mean a person is always happy or unaffected by their experiences. But poor mental wellbeing can make it more difficult to deal with the day-to-day.
Struggling with poor mental wellbeing is not necessarily a mental health problem, but people that feel low for long periods of time are more likely to develop severe conditions.
The types of issues that negatively impact on mental wellbeing will have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Anxieties caused by problems like job insecurity, a troubled homelife, smoking or drinking too much, or health issues will all have been felt more intensely during this period. The current climate means it is more important than ever that the causes of poor mental wellbeing, and how they can be alleviated, are better understood.
Greater Manchester’s Big Mental Wellbeing Conversation is being run by the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership and the Independent Mental Health Network. The Independent Mental Health Network is a membership-led organisation that represents a diverse community of past, current and future users of mental health services, as well as those with lived experience of mental health
Everyone in the city-region is being asked to take part in the survey about their mental wellbeing. Responses to the survey will help shape future initiatives to improve mental wellbeing in Greater Manchester, making sure they reflect the needs of local people.
“We want to help everyone in Greater Manchester to have good mental wellbeing. The way we feel not only impacts on our mental health but can be detrimental to physical health and our relationships with other people too.
We can’t expect to improve people’s mental wellbeing without listening. If we don’t speak to people about their concerns and worries, we cannot hope to address the barriers to good mental wellbeing.
That’s why we’ve launched Greater Manchester’s Big Mental Wellbeing Conversation – to better understand what action is needed to improve mental wellbeing. Collectively, we can – and must – do more to build a culture that supports and encourages wellbeing and positive mental health.”
“Our mental wellbeing is affected by our circumstances, including having friends, a job and a place to live.
We want to hear from people and communities across Greater Manchester about what’s important for their mental wellbeing. This information will then be used to understand what matters and what needs to change at an individual and community level.”
Greater Manchester’s Big Mental Health Conversation runs until 19 October, all response will remain anonymous.
There will also be a series of virtual and (subject to COVID-19 restrictions being lifted) socially distanced in person focus groups. A £25 voucher will be provided to each person who takes part. They will take place on the dates below:
To book, please visit the Eventbrite page here.
Find out about five steps that can help improve all our mental wellbeing.
Contact
Tom Renhard, CEO, Independent Mental Health Network –
What is the Independent Mental Health Network (IMHN)?
IMHN is a member-led organisation that works both for, and in the interests of, people with lived experience of mental health. Via our branches, we support work improving local mental health services; contribute and campaign on mental health matters happening both locally and nationally; and actively challenge mental health stigma by working with partner organisations.
What has IMHN already achieved?
Via its membership and branches across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Greater Manchester, IMHN’s work has led the organisation to build a reputation as an effective change agent that places the voices of people with lived experience of mental health front and centre in shaping mental health support.
This has included:
Where can I get more information?
IMHN’s website can provide more information about our ongoing projects, past achievements, and current operations.
Visit www.imhn.org for more information. The top menu can direct you to dedicated webpages covering latest news, our branches and membership, and the work we are doing dealing with the consequences of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Published on August 28, 2020 at 6:00 am
