May is Mental Health Awareness Month and, as we’ve said countlessly, Irish Community Services recognises, supports, and advocates for mental health care, awareness, and treatment.
We understand that mental health is a very personal topic and each individual’s experience can differ greatly, but let it be known that we are here to support you in any way we can. Our telephone lines are active Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (0208 854 4466) if you ever would like simply to chat, to vent or would like guidance in seeking professional help.
Additionally, we have services that can improve one’s mental health both actively and pre-emptively. We host a Good News Café every Monday at 3pm where we share and receive good news from one another. It is such a breath of fresh air and positivity and a lovely start to the week. You’ll leave the session with a smile on your face and feeling mentally revitalised. We also have our carers chat group which is a supportive and friendly space for carers to interact, our weekly Friday games night and more!
Taking care of your physical health is scientifically proven to improve your mental health. Experts maintain that exercising regularly relieves symptoms of depression and a study found that walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. Our Walk N Talk program allows you to go on a socially distanced walk with an ICS be-friender volunteer around an outdoor space. These sessions are great for your mental health where you can have a nice chat about anything you’d like.
We have big plans to expand this service-. Funded by TFL and in partnership with London Marathon Charitable Trust, Irish Community Services is launching the Active Ageing Walking Project. We are currently seeking walking group leaders and walking group volunteers to assist us with this initiative, so if you would like to be a part of this, check out our website for further information: https://www.irishcommunityservices.org/copy-of-careers-1 https://www.irishcommunityservices.org/volunteer-1
In summary…
• if you ever feel overwhelmed, we are always here to help.
• you are more than welcome to call or email us. We have a be-friending service and a team of wonderful volunteers who can keep in touch with you regularly.
• alternatively, talk to friends or family about anything bothering you or just for light-hearted conversation.
• do get in touch if you would like to take part in any of these activities and to hear our full range- Email: office@irishcommunityservices.org.uk
Call: 0208 854 4466
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrishCommServ
Until next time… let’s keep the conversation going.
Sites with resources to help
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