As cases of mental health difficulties among young people continue to rise, it is more important than ever to take time out to prioritise mental wellbeing. YMCA is calling on the nation to do just that by taking a WHOLE HOUR for themselves on World Mental Health Day (10 October).
Following the success of its launch last year, WHOLE HOUR returns as part of #IAMWHOLE, YMCA’s global and ground-breaking anti-stigma campaign for mental health.
With an estimated 20% of children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties worldwide each year, WHOLE HOUR encourages people to show their support and help champion positive mental health.
Whether that hour involves something active, creative, healthy, mindful or simply relaxing, there are so many different ways to make yourself feel good. Tips and inspiration for people looking to take part as a school, workplace or as individuals are available to download via the website.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales, said:
“Everyday life can be incredibly busy; it can feel almost impossible to stop, slow down or even take a moment to pay attention to how we are really feeling.
“Mental health is something that connects us all and it is increasingly important that we take time to practise self-care and engage conversations around mental wellbeing. For young people in particular, the plethora of pressures faced during adolescence means setting aside time for oneself is critical.
“We want taking this much needed time out to become part of people’s regular routine, starting with a WHOLE HOUR on World Mental Health Day.”
Writer, performer and mental health campaigner Jordan Stephens, best known as one half of chart-topping duo Rizzle Kicks, said:
“WHOLE HOUR is all about doing what makes you happy. It’s so easy to get caught up in daily life dramas or sink into our screens and disconnect from reality. We need to take time out to engage with our mental wellbeing.
“Put yourself first this World Mental Health Day – figure out how you’re feeling and think about what you could do to give yourself a boost. Take a WHOLE HOUR for you.”
WHOLE HOUR is part of #IAMWHOLE, an anti-stigma mental health campaign developed in partnership with the NHS and YMCA, the world’s largest and oldest youth charity. The campaign was developed as a direct response to mental health difficulties experienced by children and young people throughout the UK, Ireland and around the world.
For more information about #IAMWHOLE and this year’s campaign activity, visit WHOLE’s website.