Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 13 May to Sunday 19 May and is an opportunity to flag the importance of paying attention to our mental health in partnership with youth talk. The West End of the Cathedral will be lit up blue on Monday 13 in the evening to mark the start of the week. For too long it has been hard for people to talk about their mental health and wellbeing and we welcome this opportunity to raise the profile and encourage a more open conversation about the joys and struggles many of us face.

This year’s theme is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health” and recognises that exercise and movement can have a really positive effect on our mental wellbeing. Whether it is running or swimming, a gentle walk or armchair exercises, moving more can increase our energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost our self-esteem. As we mark this week how can we collaborate with colleagues, neighbours and friends to make a positive change and play our part in supporting each other?

On Saturday 18 May, David Barker from Youth Talk will be joining Fr Will, Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care at the Men's Breakfast at the Cathedral where they will be discussing Mental Health Awareness Week.