World Mental Health Awareness Day
Did you know that when left untreated, the staggering cost to the global economy of mental health issues is estimated at around £755.40 billion annually? That's not to mention the day to day impact on individuals and families. Approximately 1 in 4 adults in England experiences a mental health problem each year, with roughly 1 in 5 experiencing symptoms of a common mental health condition (like anxiety or depression) in any given week.
This year's World Mental Health Awareness Day, 10th October, highlights the effect of mental health issues, and helps break down denial and shame. This year's theme, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change" offers up real stories about those of us who cope with mental health challenges in our lives.
Mental health in the workplace
At its best, work can be a source of meaning, purpose, and joy. However, for too many people, work falls far short of its potential, and even contributes to mental ill health. As employed adults – we spend more time working than doing anything else, so our experience of the work place is hugely influential on our wellbeing.
GCDA exists to support communities to thrive, and for CEO Claire Pritchard, this starts with ensuring her staff feel valued and supported.
“We want to do everything we can to support the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff. In practice, this means personal mental health budgets, enhanced leave and employee benefits, dedicated pastoral support and an operational approach that allows all staff to be involved in the future of GCDA.”
Mental health budgets at GCDA are allocated according to employees' hours, and staff are free to use their budget for anything (within reason) that helps support their mental health.
Check out what some of the team have chosen to do with their mental health budget.
“I find going to the allotment is really soothing. I can lose myself getting stuck into digging, planting and growing my veg. Theis year I’ve had lots of tomatoes and lettuce, as well as broccoli, kale and potatoes. I’ve just bought lots of plug plants and I’m going to get them going this October so we have fresh veg for the autumn and winter too.”
Gary Mack, Head of Commuity Development
Haley, who's Executive Assistant to Claire Pritchard, used her money to contribute to a long weekend staying in a log cabin in the middle of the woods
"I loved spending solo time in the forest. It was a complete digital detox and really grounded me. Forest bathing is so good for the soul – being surrounded by the sights, sounds and textures of nature helps uplift me.”
Georgia Hunt, Head of Administration for GCDA Learning says, “I really appreciate that GCDA values the mental health of its staff. I put my mental health budget towards reformer Pilates sessions. Pilates helps me stay physically fit and enables me to have space; whereby I can breathe and focus. These session help to support me with the everyday stresses of modern life."
GCDA Learning and its impact on positive mental health
GCDA's FREE Adult Learning courses have a real role to play in supporting positive mental and physical health for everyone, whether they're working or not. Whether your doing a cooking course, learning to sew, draw, design a website or find out more about social media, the feedback we receive suggests that lifelong learning has a key role to play in helping people stay well.
GCDA's Head of Adult Learning, Mel Taylor says:
"Over the years, I've lost count of the number of learners who've told me how much our classes have helped them through difficult periods in their lives. Whether they've been struggling with isolation, anxiety, low confidence or simply feeling stuck, adult learning has given people the opportunity to reconnect with others and develop their own skills and self-esteem. Whilst we're here to support learning, the positive impact on mental health is often one of the most meaningful outcomes for many of the adults we work with. Seeing learners grow in confidence and leave with a more positive outlook is one of the most rewarding parts of my role."
This is what one of our learners told us - we have lots of stories, but this really struck us:
"I wouldn't have been able to afford these courses elsewhere, so I really do feel thankful to have had these opportunities. These classes have given me a reason to get dressed and leave the house at least once a week. I've met new people on the courses and even formed friendships, despite leading a reclusive life and struggling with social anxiety. I've started to find mental space to reflect on my own sense of self expression and style, something which I lost probably a decade ago. I'm tremendously grateful to GCDA for providing such quality learning opportunities which have truly helped me on my path to recovery."
To find out more about GCDA's range of FREE Adult Learning courses please click here and for more information on Mental Health Awareness Day click here.
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