News

Mental Health Awareness Week

This week at John Ruskin College we are taking part in #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. At a time where many of us are feeling lonely or disconnected, it is important to reflect on our own mental wellbeing and how we can improve it.

This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is Kindness.

Kindness is something you can convey to others, as well as being kind to yourself, whether it’s making someone a cup of tea or taking a chance to reflect on your feelings and do something that makes you happy.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus, we have seen kindness from all angles to look after one another, from raising money for the NHS to helping our neighbours with the weekly shop. We have focused so much on being kind to others that sometimes we forget to think about what we can do for ourselves.

With this in mind, we would love to spread the word on what we all individually can do to look after our own mental health. Whether your happy place is in the kitchen baking, learning a new dance on TikTok or even video chatting with your friends, we would love to see how you are looking after yourselves during the pandemic.

Below are images from staff at John Ruskin College, featuring the different activities they get involved in to be kind to themselves. If you are inspired by their ideas or would like to share your own methods of self-care, we would love for you to get involved!

To take part in our #BeKindToYou project, post your photos and videos to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag us

Facebook: John Ruskin College
Instagram: @johnruskincollege
Twitter: @JRuskinCollege

Use the hashtag #BeKindToYou so that we can share your kindness techniques with those who may be struggling and looking for some tips in these difficult times.

Are you worried about your own mental health?

If you need some advice or guidance or just need someone to listen to you, our Student Support team is working remotely and can support you with whatever it is you’re dealing with.

Get in touch with your tutor via email if you have any concerns. Alternatively, email the College Wellbeing Officer, Sarah Evans at sarah.EVANS@johnruskin.ac.uk who is on hand to help.

There are many other ways you can get the help you need. The following organisations offer support:

Off the Record provides free online counselling to 16-25 years olds

https://talkofftherecordonline.org/

Mind provides counselling and advice

Phone: 0208 668 2210

www.mindincroydon.org.uk

Samaritans offer 24/7 telephone support

Phone: 116 123

www.samaritans.org/

#KindnessMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #mhaw