World Mental Health Day was created to raise awareness of, and drive positive change for, everyone’s mental health. ‘It’s also a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling.’

This year, it is taking place on Tuesday 10 October, the theme, set by the organisers the World Foundation of Mental Health, is 'It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace'. We could not agree more. This is at the heart of what we do, creating positive mental health in and through work. Therefore, we are encouraging you to start the conversation within your own organisation and across your networks.

Why is World Mental Health Day important?

• 875,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2022/23. [1]
• Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 49% of work-related ill health and 54% of all working days lost due to ill health in 2022/23. [2]
• The main work factors cited as causing work-related stress, depression or anxiety include the demands of the job, lack of control, lack of information and support, work relationships, and roles and responsibilities.

Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees, including mental health/stress. Mental wellbeing also benefits the business, for example, increased productivity, a reduction in sickness and staff turnover, and it demonstrates that the organisation is a good, safe, and supportive place to work. Research has found that, on average, businesses achieve a £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support. [3]

Mental wellbeing in the workplace is also good for the employee, for example, improving confidence, purpose, achievement, positive relationships, and inclusion.

Resources

At Mates in Mind, we work with organisations to improve the mental health of their workforce by providing the skills, clarity, and confidence to employers on how to raise awareness, improve understanding and address the stigma that surrounds mental health.

This is why we have created a suite of resources to support organisations not only during World Mental Health Day, but also to build a supportive workplace culture which creates positive mental health in and through work.

To access our free World Mental Health Day resource pack, please complete the short form below. Please scroll down beyond the form to download additional free resources including a poster.

Please click on the link below to download a free poster. You can personalise it by adding the relevant details of your Mental Health First Aiders, HR team, Employee Assistance Programme and so on, in the white box. Please then share it across your organisation.

Please also visit our Resources page where you can download additional free resources. 

Visit our Resources

Please sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to be informed when we publish new blogs in our ‘How to optimise your mental wellbeing’ series. The first blog can be found:

Read our 'How to optimise your mental wellbeing' blogs

If the information on this page has resonated with you, and if you or someone you know needs help or support, you can speak to one of the many free, confidential support services below: 

Support Services

Mates in Mind Supporters 

We have additional materials exclusively available for our Supporters.

To download these materials please log in to the Supporter portal, and access your resources:

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If you are not a Supporter but would like to find out more about our Programme, please read on.

How we can support you

Mates in Mind can support your organisation to build a mental health plan and to create a culture of prevention.

Our dedicated team of Support Managers work with organisations of any size to develop a tailored action plan, evaluating your organisation's priorities and gaps, and providing the tools and support you need.

This plan includes ongoing support with communication and delivery of your plan, as well as training opportunities, promotional materials, and a suite of tools (including awareness date resources) to enable you to drive long-lasting and meaningful change.

Find out more about how we can help your organisation build a culture of prevention when you become a Supporter by:

• Visiting our Become a Supporter page
• Calling: 020 3510 5018
• Emailing: [email protected]
• Using this contact form

If you would like to know when we publish new resources, please complete the newsletter sign up at the bottom of this page.

References:

[1] Statistics - About HSE statistics published November 2023

[2] Statistics - About HSE statistics published November 2023

[3] Mental health and employers: the case for investment - pandemic and beyond | Deloitte UK