Join Us for Mental Health Awareness Week!
Mental Health Awareness Week runs this year from 13 to 19 May 2024 and the theme is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week happens every year and aims to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise their own and others’ mental health.
“After years of being ignored, hidden away, and not being spoken about, Mental Health Awareness Week makes sure that mental health remains at the centre of the public conversation. It has contributed to government policy changes and keeps up the pressure for change so that we collectively prioritise the UK’s mental health, prevent mental health problems and take action to make sure we live in a society that values and promotes good mental health for all.” Mental Health Foundation
It began in 2001 and has grown to become one of the biggest UK mental health events of the year. It’s led by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and this year’s theme is: ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’.
Find out more on the Mental Health Foundation website.
MHF have created this useful downloadable resource giving tips for moving more for your mental health.
Move Your Way Leeds
Did you know that simply moving more throughout your day can have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing?
At MindWell, we recognise the vital link between movement and mental wellbeing. That’s why we’re excited to introduce ‘Move Your Way Leeds’, a campaign designed to support everyone in Leeds to enjoy moving more for their mental health.
Whether it’s gentle chair exercises at home, a refreshing walk around Roundhay Park, or a lively Zumba class in the city centre, we believe anyone can enjoy movement in their lives. Move Your Way is all about finding what works best for you.
Why movement matters
Beyond just staying fit, physical activity is a powerful tool for boosting mood, reducing stress, and managing conditions like anxiety and depression. Plus, joining a local activity group or class can be a great way to meet people in your area.
As the Mental Health Foundation puts it, “Movement is important for our mental health. But so many of us struggle to move enough. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you’re watching television – it all counts!”
Free downloadable resource
To support you to Move Your Way, we’ve created a free downloadable resource packed with tips and inspiration for moving more at home, work and outside. And if you’re looking to connect with local groups, we’ve compiled a list of over 30 free or low-cost wellbeing and exercise groups in Leeds, many of which specifically welcome and support people experiencing mental health challenges like anxiety or depression.
How can I get involved?
Don’t forget to share how you #MoveYourWayLeeds with us on social media during the week! Here are more ways to get involved:
- Download our free resource or poster: Start by downloading our resource with tips and inspiration for moving more at home, work, and outside.
- Explore local groups: Check out our list of over 30 free or low-cost wellbeing and exercise groups in Leeds. From walking clubs to cycling groups, there’s something for everyone. Joining a group is a fantastic way to stay motivated, make new friends, and get to know other people in your community.
- Share your journey: We’d love to hear about your experiences with ‘Move Your Way Leeds’. Share your success stories and favourite activities on social media using the hashtag #MoveYourWayLeeds. Or download our social media posts below to share on your own channels. Make sure you tag us on X/Twitter @MindWellLeeds, Instagram @mindwellleeds or Facebook MindWellLeeds.
- Spread the word: Help us spread the word about ‘Move Your Way Leeds’ and the importance of movement for mental health. Download and print out our poster to put up somewhere others can see. Share our resources with friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to enjoy movement for better mental health.
Resources
Download our poster and social media assets to help us spread awareness.
Poster
Social media posts
1. Supporting the campaign
Shorter version – suitable for X/Twitter
Why not #MoveYourWayLeeds this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek? We’re supporting MindWell’s campaign to get us all moving more for our mental health! Read more & download the free resource from #MindWell: https://bit.ly/MindWell-Move-Your-Way
Longer version – suitable for Instagram or Facebook
We’re supporting #MindWell’s campaign to #MoveYourWayLeeds this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek – 13 to 19 May. Join in to help us all look after our mental health!
This year’s #MHAW theme is movement: moving more for our mental health. MindWell is asking everyone in Leeds to move more & share what they get up to!
Find out more and download your free Move Your Way pack: https://bit.ly/MindWell-Move-Your-Way
2. Sharing your Move Your Way stories
Shorter version – suitable for X/Twitter
We’re joining #MindWell to #MoveYourWayLeeds this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek! We’re planning to move more to look after our mental health, how about you? Share stories & photos with @MindWellLeeds
Longer version – suitable for Instagram or Facebook
It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, so we’re joining #MindWell to #MoveYourWayLeeds!
We’re planning to move more to look after our mental health, how about you?
Share your stories & photos of how you keep moving for your wellbeing with @MindWellLeeds
Moving and exercising more can have great benefits for everyone, no matter what age we are. Visit our Exercise more section to learn about the many wellbeing benefits of physical activity and movement and find other activities and groups in Leeds.