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Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 (12th – 18th May) is an important opportunity to reflect on the value of mental health. This year, the focus is on the power of connection and community in supporting good mental wellbeing.

Community can mean many different things - from the physical neighbourhood where you live, to a group of like-minded people who share your interests or hobbies. We also have workplace communities, made up of your colleagues, teams, and the people you work alongside every day. This week is a chance to engage with your communities, to challenge stigma, spread awareness, and encourage those facing mental health struggles to seek support. 

How to look after your own mental wellbeing

Taking care of your own mental health is just as essential as supporting others. One way to nurture your wellbeing is by following the "Five Ways to Wellbeing." These simple actions can have a positive impact on your mental health:

Connect 
Building and maintaining social connections is key to mental health. Whether it’s a catch-up with a friend, a chat with a colleague, or reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, even small interactions can make a big difference.

Be Active 
Physical activity is a great way to improve your mood and reduce stress. It doesn’t have to be intense, find something you enjoy, whether it’s a walk, a yoga session, or a sport. Regular, moderate exercise can make a big impact on your overall wellbeing.

Take Notice 
Mindfulness and being present in the moment can help reduce stress and improve mental health. Take time to notice the world around you, appreciate nature, or enjoy a simple activity. Practising mindfulness can help you feel grounded and more connected to yourself and your surroundings.

Learn 
Learning something new, whether it’s a skill, a hobby, or a subject that interests you, can boost your confidence and mental stimulation. Take up a new hobby, read a book, or join a class. Anything that sparks curiosity can be a great way to engage your mind.

Give 
Helping others doesn’t just benefit them, it can boost your own wellbeing too. Whether it’s volunteering, offering support to a friend, or simply being kind, giving fosters a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Local mental health resources in Herefordshire and Worcestershire

There are many local services available to support those experiencing mental health challenges in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, from Talking Therapies to urgent help.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies — Available for young people aged 16 and over, they offer online therapy, support groups, and one-to-one counselling. You can self-refer online or call the team at 0300 013 57 27.

NHS111 – Whether you feel your mental health problems have become much worse or are experiencing problems for the first time, you may need help quickly. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for their 24/7 helpline.

Mind - Mind offers mental health advice, support, and resources. Call 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM) or visit their website for further information.

Samaritans – Samaritans provide 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress. Call 116 123 for free, confidential support at any time.

Melo - For young people aged 25 and under, Melo offers therapy, workshops, and online counselling for mental health support. Referrals can be made via their website, telephone, or WhatsApp. Contact Melo Hereford on 01432 800809 or Worcester on 01905 673549. 

Kooth — a helpful website offering online counselling and support through text, e-mail or chatting on the forum. Kooth is suitable for ages 10-18 years.

Lumi Nova — a personalised digital therapeutic game for childhood anxiety, co-designed with children, parents, NHS clinicians and experts in mental health, human-centred design and ethical gaming technology. It empowers young people aged 7 to 12 years to overcome mental health challenges and create life-long skills using immersive experiences that are self-guided, interactive and fun.  Sign up for free here.

The Blues Programme  — an internationally acclaimed wellbeing programme for young people aged 13-19. Over six weeks, it teaches emotional resilience, and reduces low mood and anxious thoughts. Crucially, it gets teenagers talking.

Worcestershire ChatHealth —  a service where 11-19 years olds can text 07507331750 to speak to their School Health Nurse for confidential advice and support around a variety of issues, including bullying, emotional health, relationship problems, alcohol and drugs.

YoungMinds Textline — offers free, 24/7 text messaging support wherever you are in the UK. If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling, text YM to 85258.

SilverCloud — online programmes which are designed to help you improve and maintain your wellbeing by changing the way you think and feel about things. All you need is access to the internet and sound on a computer, tablet or mobile. The programme is flexible so you can use it anytime, anyplace, and anywhere. Self-led online therapy can be accessed for free by signing up to SilverCloud with your personal email address and chosen password. Our access code is 'SIGNPOST'  and you will be asked to provide this during the sign up process. Sign up for free here.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is a reminder that mental health plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing. In Herefordshire and Worcestershire, there are many local services that provide support and care. Remember, you don’t have to face mental health challenges alone, help is always available and reaching out is a positive first step.

If you live outside of Herefordshire or Worcestershire, you can find support in your local area on the nhs.uk website: Mental health services - NHS