Mental health problems cost the UK economy at least £117.9 billion annually according to a report published by Mental Health Foundation and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). It’s no surprise that this year’s theme for World Mental Health Day on 10th October is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’.
Across the UK there were 10.3 million recorded instances of mental ill health over a one-year period, and the third most common cause of disability was depression. At Winnersh Triangle we take mental health and occupier well-being very seriously.
Well-being and fitness sessions
We already run a host of sessions including free weekly bootcamps for occupiers encouraging people to take a break from screens and take some time to unwind. At our Wellness Centre which includes The Court (an astroturf pitch) and The Cabin (our studio) where a multitude of sessions including yoga, pilates and boxercise are all very popular. We are also fortunate to have a host of footpaths across Winnersh Triangle which makes a lunchtime stroll very easy. Our business park is just a short walk from Dinton Pastures Country Park which is set over 450 acres and has seven lakes, two rivers, three public bird hides, and lots of meadows. It’s good to take a walk as even a short burst of 10 minutes brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and increases productivity.
World Mental Health Day
We wanted to ensure that we marked World Mental Health Day with a host of activities across all of our business parks in the Frasers Property UK portfolio. Each park is hosting a Tea and Talk event between 10:00-11:00am on the morning of World Mental Health Day, Monday 10th October. We are inviting occupiers to gather for a natter over a free, tea or coffee, and a sweet treat.
This is a chance to connect with colleagues and friends at Winnersh Triangle and will be held at our café and co-working space The Exchange.
It’s good to talk
Talking is good for you – it’s that simple! We understand the importance of wellbeing in the workplace and that’s why we wanted to offer occupiers the opportunity to connect and socialise. Staying connected is often more important than we realise and with many of us spending a large proportion of our lives at work it is vital to be able to talk to colleagues and form strong relationships.
There will also be signposting towards further information and support around mental health issues with links and downloads that we can email to anyone who feels they need more support. We are offering a free online subscription to Happiful magazine. Happiful is a mental health and wellbeing publication which is on a mission to create a healthier and happier society through inspiring life stories and positive news.
How can you celebrate World Mental Health Day in your workplace?
- Share experiences. It is great to share your own mental health experiences. By being open and honest it may encourage others to open up
- Sparking conversations on social media. Use the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay
- Practice self-care. Take a walk, read a magazine, have a bubble bath – whatever makes you happy
- Expressing daily gratitude. Write down one or two things that you are grateful for
- Reach out to friends and family and check in on them. Send a text or give them a call, let them know you are them for them
If you feel that you need someone to talk to right now then call Samaritans on 116 123 or Text SHOUT to 85258 (both UK-wide).
