I don't know about you, but this past month has been a really big one for us here at the Centre. We published the final report from our Commission for Equality in Mental Health, which makes an urgent case for action to eradicate the inequalities that put some groups of people at much higher risk of poor mental health than others.
We've been asking you to support the campaign we've launched alongside the report, by writing to your MP and asking them to stand up for mental health equality. You can find out more about why this work is so important by catching up on our virtual launch event, which included powerful and moving presentations from people who've experienced mental health inequalities and who are working hard to tackle them.
If you'd like to support us in this work, we're inviting you to take part in the new fundraising campaign we've launched today: One Million Steps. Join us in walking 10,000 steps a day for 100 days and raise money to help us continue the fight for #EqualityinMentalHealth.
For now, we wish you a peaceful festive season and a hopeful new year.
The final report of our Commission for Equality in Mental Health shows that inequalities which have for too long been accepted or ignored can and should be reduced, through concerted local and national action.
It highlights the way mental health inequalities mirror wider economic and social inequalities, preventing people getting the support they need. But it also shows that effective action is possible. We've set out what a system designed for equality would look like, and how communities, local organisations, public services and national government can work together to generate change at scale.
Some groups of people have far poorer mental health than others, often reflecting social disadvantage. In many cases, those same groups of people have less access to effective and relevant support for their mental health. And when they do get support, their experiences and outcomes are often poorer, sometimes causing harm.
As part of our work in the Commission for Equality in Mental Health, we've put together some of the key statistics about these mental health inequalities.
We're delighted to have published another amazing selection of submissions to our writing project, which is collecting people's personal accounts of living through the pandemic and the impact on their mental health and wellbeing. You can read all the pieces we've published so farhere.
It's not too late to get writing and share your own experience. Why not take some time over Christmas to reflect on what this year has been like for you? You could start by thinking about your response to the question:How do you feel about 'saving' Christmas?
We're eager to capture a diverse range of perspectives, so do spread the word to your friends, families and communities. Find all you need to know about the project here.
Take part in our fundraising challenge: One Million Steps
We know that walking and exercise is really beneficial for our mental health. That's why we're inviting you to start the new year on the right foot and support us through our new fundraising campaign: One Million Steps. The challenge is to do 10,000 steps a day for 100 days while raising money to help us continue the fight for equality in mental health.
Sarah explains why you should join us and take part in the One Million Steps challenge.
IPS Training
We had a great response to our new Supporting What Works course which trains people who work alongside IPS workers to enable them to support IPS. A recent delegate said: “Excellent learning tool for mental health practitioners and should be considered as part of preceptorship programme”
We’re running the course again in March – book your place here.
