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Learn about working stress related in this game!

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11/5/26 Burnout Britain Supporting a worn-out workforce

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11/5/26 Burnout Britain Supporting a worn-out workforce

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Burnout Britain: supporting a worn-out workforce

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Two-fifths of workers (39%) say they suffer from burnout, but what demographics are most at risk and how can we support their mental health?

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20/4/26 Prevent work-related stress: Advice from HSE

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20/4/26 Prevent work-related stress: Advice from HSE

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World Mental Health Day: Prevent Work-Related Stress with Working Minds

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Mark World Mental Health Day 2025 by taking action on work-related stress. Use HSE’s Working Minds tools to assess risks and make changes. Over 18k employers are already on board.

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Tips for everyday living with a mental health problem

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Living with a mental health problem can have an impact on day to day life. Read our tips to help you cope with things like money, work, university and more.

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HSE is looking for an experienced scientist, engineer or analyst to Chair the Science Quality and Assurance Group (SQAG). SQAG provides the HSE Board, HSE Chief Executive and Director of Science with robust external assurance of the science, engineering and analysis (SEA) work which underpins HSE's decision making.

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24/2/26 Five key workplace wellbeing trends to watch in 2026

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24/2/26 Five key workplace wellbeing trends to watch in 2026

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Credit:demaerre

1. Burnout and stress remain a central risk

Research consistently shows that stress-related absence and burnout are still rising, especially among younger workers. While employers increasingly treat wellbeing as a productivity and retention issue rather than a benefits topic, the pressures on staff come from outside as well as inside the workplace. Studies suggest younger workers report significantly higher mental-health-related issues compared with older generations, driving renewed employer focus on prevention.For example, Mental Health UK's latest Burnout Report reveals that high stress levels and mental health-related sick leave persist in the UK workforce, with chronic pressures going unaddressed and too few employers supporting recovery from burnout.The report found younger workers were more likely to experience stress due to issues such as money worries, isolation, and fears around redundancy and job security. The January 2026 report describes a gap between what companies say and do on mental health, with nearly one in three (29%) saying employer raises awareness of mental health but managers do not have time, training or resources to meaningfully support staff.The CIPD has welcomed the findings of the Keep Britain Working review, which highlights an urgent need to address rising sickness absence and ill health across the nation's working population. It argues that employers play a vital role in supporting people's health and enabling them to remain in productive and fulfilling work and champions positive, fair and supportive working environments that directly benefit employee wellbeing, performance and productivity.Speaking at the CIPD conference, Professor Kevin Fong OBE, Science Broadcaster and Emergency Medical Doctor, emphasised the importance of human capital in organisations. In his keynote speech Leading under pressure: What HR can learn from extreme environments, he argued that leadership in modern organisations must be redefined for a world characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). Drawing on his experience as an emergency physician and air ambulance doctor, he explained that effective performance in high-risk environments depends not on individual expertise alone but on mature leadership, collective intelligence, and the optimal use of human capability."Your human resource is your principal resource and your most adaptable one," he said. "If you do not protect wellbeing, that resource is exhaustible. In an age focused on AI and digital technology, most of what we achieve is still only possible because teams of human beings mould themselves around the challenge and make the system fit for purpose."

1. Wellbeing shifting from perks to organisational design

A major trend in forward-thinking business is the move away from "wellbeing initiatives" (apps, yoga, perks) toward job design, autonomy, and a more realistic assessment of workload. This reflects evidence that organisational factors have greater impact on wellbeing than any individual resilience or leadership training that might be offered to staff.The CIPD's health and wellbeing research emphasises the importance of:

job control, workload balance, and supportive management

flexible working structures

psychologically safe cultures

The CIPD report identified a culture of fear around health and disability that is felt by employees and employers, especially line managers. This creates distance between people and discourages safe and early disclosure, constructive conversations and support just when they are needed most.In addition, heavy workloads stand out as one of the most common causes of stress-related absence, followed by personal illness or health issues, relationships and family issues, and financial concerns. Management style also ranks highly among the main causes of stress-related absence according to the CIPD's Health and wellbeing at work report.
Read related articles

1. Hybrid working has redefined wellbeing risks

Hybrid work has improved flexibility but also introduced new wellbeing concerns:

blurred work-life boundaries

digital fatigue

isolation and reduced social connection

longer effective working hours

As a result, many UK organisations are introducing right-to-disconnect policies, meeting-free periods, and workload audits to address hybrid-related stress.While older workers may enjoy the opportunity to work from home more often, it is often their younger colleagues who struggle with a lack of contact and structure that comes with working in an office and being mentored.The CIPD report found that homeworking needs effective support to manage risks to mental health. It found mental health issues had increased rather than decreased among homeworkers, perhaps because it was more challenging to notice when employees could be experiencing poor mental health or stress if they were not physically present. It called on organisations to take proactive steps to support the health and wellbeing of homeworkers.

1. Leadership, culture, inclusion and wellbeing becoming interconnected

Wellbeing and leadership strategy increasingly overlaps with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Research shows that employees who feel excluded or treated unfairly report significantly poorer wellbeing and engagement.Key organisational trends include:

inclusive leadership training

psychological safety programmes

equitable workload distribution

anti-bias management practices

In his keynote speech at the CIPD, Professor Kevin Fong offered a compelling exploration of how individuals and teams cope with risk, make critical decisions under pressure, and perform in high-stakes situations. Professor Fong shared lessons from his work with UCL, NASA, and the European Space Agency, as well as how he advised hospitals on how to prepare for and operate effectively during Covid. He explained how planning, teamwork, and adaptability are essential in running successful organisations, and how it is important to recognise the specialist skills of the people in your team.

1. EDI and respect are essential parts of a successful organisation

"Equality, diversity, and inclusion has come in for a hard time, but we do not talk about it in the right way," Professor Fong explained. "EDI is not something we should do only because it is decent behaviour, although that is true. In our service, when we arrive on the scene of a major accident, the 38 people working there become part of my team. If they do not feel equal to me, if I do not embrace the diversity of their opinion, and if they do not feel included in the solution, we will not reach the optimal outcome. For us, EDI is an operational imperative."Professor Fong also emphasised the fluid nature of leadership, and how in a major emergency, his role as the specialist doctor in the air ambulance is only one part of the operation."We talk often about leadership but rarely about followership," he explained. "These systems are large, distributed, complex systems where nobody knows everybody else's job. Leadership must become a distributed function. When the bell goes in the hangar and we walk out, I am not leading the crew; the pilots are leading because they control the technology most likely to harm us in the next 10 or 15 minutes."When we land, my paramedic leads the team because they have the operational expertise to manage the scene safely. I only take leadership when I reach the patient and assess what is wrong, what needs to be done, how fast, and where we go. Then leadership passes back again. Leadership in complex systems is a ball that moves from person to person at the right moment.He explained that in a crisis, you survive by making decisions in uncertainty and committing to them."To follow well, you must identify when you need to cease being the leader, know the goals of the mission, and understand how to support the leader of the moment. That is what leadership and followership look like in modern systems."In other words, you must delegate authority to those with the expertise, and allow everyone to play their part, innovate, and transform."Innovation is not a few bright ideas from the C-suite; it means allowing the entire organisation to innovate. You will fail, but you will fail forward-every day you become slightly less wrong until eventually you are almost right."

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Five key workplace wellbeing trends to watch in 2026 | Marianne Curphey | Relocate magazine

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Employers often talk about putting employee wellbeing at the centre of their workplace strategies, and yet for many, the concept is confined to perks and benefits rather than systemic change. A recent report by the CIPD in September 2025 found that more concerted action is needed to tackle the main causes of stress, particularly high workloads, personal issues and ill health.

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24/2/26 How stress and burnout will shape the workplace in 2026

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24/2/26 How stress and burnout will shape the workplace in 2026

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Charlotte Maxwell-Davies, Mental Health UK

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How stress and burnout will shape the workplace in 2026 | British Safety Council

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Burnout is rapidly becoming one of the nation’s most significant workplace challenges. It is emerging as a defining issue for organisations and wider society, as the UK contends with a long-term sickness crisis driven by poor mental health. Stress can be motivating in short bursts, but when left unmanaged it contributes to work absences and lost productivity, as well as presenting a clear risk to the health of workers.

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ByRuth Clegg Health and wellbeing reporter

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Wellbeing in 2026: Recovery, JOMO and brain boosters

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Wellness is a multi-trillion pound industry which continues to grow - and this year is less about maxing out, more about recovering well.

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24/2/26 Children cannot wait: tackling online bullying requires action beyond bans

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24/2/26 Children cannot wait: tackling online bullying requires action beyond bans

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Children cannot wait: tackling online bullying requires action beyond bans

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The Anti-Bullying Alliance welcomes the government’s consultation and its focus on improving children’s wellbeing and sa

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6/1/26 Nine science-backed ways to help you feel better in 2026

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6/1/26 Nine science-backed ways to help you feel better in 2026

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The start of a new year can seem like the ideal time to make a fresh start - to shrug off the worries and pressures of the previous 12 months and view the world in a different way. But it is also a lot easier to promise yourself that you'll think about things differently this year than to actually do it.

Fortunately, there is plenty of scientific research that offers different ways to help you improve your mood. From making use of your anger to putting your phone to work for you, here are nine tips that we have discovered during our reporting.

Stop striving for perfection

Perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait. But as the aphorism goes, "perfect is the enemy of good". And being a perfectionist can be bad for your health too.

There is mounting evidence that a perfectionist mindset is linked to depression and anxiety, as well as a laundry list of other conditions including social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia and even the risk of suicide. In fact, according to some experts, the stronger your perfectionism trait is, the more psychological disorders you're going to suffer.

Perfectionists set themselves unrealistic standards and when they inevitably fail to meet those standards they experience more guilt, shame and anger than non-perfectionists. They beat themselves up for mistakes and never quite feel good enough.

But how can one get out of this self-destroying mindset? According to experts, one of the most robust protections against anxiety and depression is self-compassion. In other words, try to be kind to yourself. If you make a mistake, don't rush to self-criticise. And if you have children, try to create a family environment where imperfection isn't just accepted but is celebrated. Those imperfections, after all, are what make us human.

Find out more about tackling toxic perfectionism in this article by Amanda Ruggeri.
Jasmin Fox-Skelly

Being a perfectionist can have serious drawbacks, particularly if you set yourself unrealistic standards (Credit: Getty Images)

The benefits of friendship

Take up some social hobbies

It's never too late to start a new hobby.

Last year I went to a life drawing class for the first time as part of an experiment to see which hobby was best for building social connections. And as I am not artistically gifted (trust me), I was nervous at first - but I quickly found that my skill level didn't matter. For those two hours, my brain was quiet. It turns out that drawing, when done in a way that makes us focus on the world around us, can improve mood and wellbeing. I also made a friend during the tea break, someone who I'd have never ordinarily crossed paths with. Ann Mackowski, the artist hosting the session, said her classes become like "a little family" for some people.

If you're more interested in moving your body, team sports can provide the benefit of social connection while releasing endorphins. In fact, team sports can even make exercise feel easier, due to something psychologists call " shared intention" - where people connect over a common goal, or action. This helps us feel closer to each other and makes subsequent interactions much easier.

So, try a new activity this year - you never know who you might meet.

Read about my science-backed attempts to meet new people in this article.
Molly Gorman
Put your anger to good use

Nothing can destroy quite like anger. When tensions boil over, words or actions can erupt that we never intended and don't endorse. But if the energy from those negative feelings is recognised in time, research suggests it can also be captured and re-directed to surprisingly productive ends.

That doesn't mean suppressing angry emotions, which can increase your risk of a heart attack nearly three-fold. It means channelling them into something that serves you better. Using your anger to throw faster, kick harder or jump higher can improve your sporting prowess (although happiness produces a similar effect, compared to an emotionally neutral state). It can also be harnessed to greater feats of persistence, and even bursts of creativity (though anger can also make creativity harder to sustain).

Key to wielding these transformations is being able to reign in and moderate how your anger is expressed. Employing techniques such as psychological distance to avoid allowing anger to boil over into aggression along with using patience to delay your response can help you channel your anger more constructively.

Find out more about how you can make your anger work for you in this article by David Robson.
India Bourke

Count your blessings

It is an old idea, but one that is well evidenced. Taking a few moments each day to write a list of three things that you are grateful for has been shown to have an outsized effect on our wellbeing.

Studies of the exercise have shown that people who spent a month jotting down three good things each day showed improvements in their happiness levels and a drop in depressive symptoms. Tests have also shown it can benefit people from all walks of life - from teenagers living in city slums in Kenya to elderly women living in Switzerland.

Key to its benefits is the focus on the positive, helping you search out those good things throughout your day. To give it a try, set aside some time each evening to reflect on your day, writing down three things that went well or that you enjoyed. It can be anything, however small or seemingly inconsequential. The important element, though, is to think about why these things felt positive to you.

Learn why counting your blessings is so powerful and what our writer Claudia Hammond includes in her own lists.
Richard Gray
Make your phone work for you

A few times a year I break out in a sweat worrying about how my phone might be wrecking my mind. My Screen Time tool says I pick my mobile device up about 105 times a day - which is saintly compared to the average American's 186 times a day. Research suggests habits like these could have consequences for memory, attention span, sleep, mental health and more.

But our phone fixations could have benefits too. One study, for example, found that using a screen to take notes improved performance on difficult memory tasks, suggesting that the note-taking app languishing on your device could help you offload certain kinds of cognitive work.

It's not that hard to mitigate some of the phone's harms, either. Simply hearing notifications may hurt your performance on simple tasks almost as badly as an actual phone call. If you don't like the sound of that, you could make use of your phone's feature to batch-deliver notifications instead of receiving them in real time - both iPhones and Androids have these tools.

But if you really want to get your head out of your screen entirely, you could experiment with the benefits of leaving your phone in the other room. Baby steps.

Learn more about how mobile phones have changed our brains in this article by Amanda Ruggeri.
Thomas Germain

The winter months can be tough for some people, but changing your mindset to find joy in the cold and dark could boost your wellbeing (Credit: Getty Images)

Embrace the dark days of winter

When the nights draw in and temperatures drop, it is common for people to see their mood drop. Research shows that many people can become sad and sluggish over the winter months as the decreased hours of daylight take their toll.

But a change of mindset could help. Studies suggest that learning to notice and embrace the positive features of winter, such as the natural beauty it brings, can help to combat the winter blues. One study of 238 people in Norway, for example, found that looking forward to the opportunities of winter, such as skiing and cosy nights spent with loved ones in front of a fire, reported better wellbeing.

There is even evidence that humans may be evolved to seek out the company of others more during cold weather. Our film-viewing habits seem to change in the winter too for similar reasons - a heart-warming movie apparently fulfils our evolved desire for emotional warmth when it is chilly outside.

Find out more about how the dark days of January shape your mood in this article by David Robson and what we can learn from people who live in the land of the Polar night in this article by Erika Benke.
Richard Gray
Sing to feel better

Have you ever felt the pure unbridled elation of singing when no one is listening? Or the heightened sense of connection to others when you sing in a group? Researchers say singing is a " cognitive, physical, emotional and social act" - meaning the benefits of this ancient human practice are multifold.

Singing activates a broad network of neurons on both sides of our brain, including in regions that deal with language, movement and emotion. Combined with the focus on breathing, this makes singing an effective stress reliever. And singing as part of a group has been found to promote an even greater level of psychological wellbeing than singing alone.

Blasting out your favourite song is good for your heart, boosts immune function and can even suppress pain. The act of singing is also an aerobic exercise, comparable to a brisk walk. So, not only is it a good work out, you also get that rush of endorphins - the brain's "feel-good" chemicals. Singing has even been found to help the brain repair itself.

So, whether you enjoy a gentle sing-along or belting out a tune with joyful abandon in the shower, you can do so with the knowledge that you are reaping the benefits.

Learn more about how singing can improve your health in this article by David Cox.
Katherine Latham

Why humming can make you feel calmer

Find time for a nap

In many countries, having a catnap is part of daily life. An afternoon siesta is a common ritual in Spain, for example, while in Japan, workers often enjoy an afternoon sleep, known as hirune.

Research shows that habitual naps can help keep our brains bigger for longer, which can delay brain ageing by between three to six years. Preserving your brain size for as long as possible is important as shrinkage has been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Short naps, lasting five to 15 minutes, can immediately improve how well we perform mentally, with the stimulus lasting for up to three hours after we wake up.

How do you make sure that your afternoon nap leaves you feeling energised and not more tired than you were to begin with?

Timing is key. Try to keep your naps less than 20 minutes. If you exceed this time, you'll find yourself falling into deep sleep and you're likely to wake up feeling groggy and disoriented.

The best time for a cat nap is between 14:00-16:00 as this is when there is a dip in your circadian rhythm and your body temperature starts to fall. During the morning, it is still rising, making you more alert. If you leave it too late in the day, you might disrupt your sleep at night.

Read more about the health benefits of napping in this article by Isabelle Gerretsen.
Isabelle Gerretsen
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Nine science-backed ways to help you feel better in 2026

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From channelling your anger to writing lists and singing more often - here are some science-backed tips to boost your wellbeing.

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6/1/26 New Year, New Me? Why New Year’s resolutions can be unhelpful, and how to set healthy goals

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6/1/26 New Year, New Me? Why New Year’s resolutions can be unhelpful, and how to set healthy goals

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New Year, New Me? Why New Year’s resolutions can be unhelpful, and how to set healthy goals - Mental Health UK

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As a society, we use the New Year period to look back on the year that has passed and look to the year ahead, pledging change for the better. However, while New Year’s resolutions might seem lighthearted and positive, sometimes they can end up doing more harm than good to our mental wellbeing.

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The Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Course - Free

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The Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Course - Free

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The Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Course

Learn how to recognise, address, and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace with this engaging course presented by The Safety-Verse. Using the RESPECT framework, this course empowers individuals to create a safer, more inclusive work environment.

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Sexual Harassment at Work | Online RESPECT Course

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Learn to identify, prevent, and address sexual harassment in the workplace. This RESPECT-based online course by The Safety-Verse promotes a safer, more inclusive work culture through practical, engaging learning. Ideal for UK and EU compliance training.

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4/11/25 Stress is a health and safety risk – and it's the law to act

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4/11/25 Stress is a health and safety risk – and it's the law to act

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Five steps to prevent stress at work with the Working Minds campaign

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The law requires all employers to prevent work-related stress. Find out more about how you can use the five steps where you work: reach out, recognise, respond, reflect and make it routine.

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Feeling anxious? 10 minute techniques (detailed)

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Feeling anxious? 10 minute techniques (detailed)

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Feeling anxious? 10 minute techniques (simple)

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Feeling anxious? 10 minute techniques (simple)

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Healthy levels of stress can motivate us, but too much, can be unhelpful and harmful. This tool will help you think about ways to release stress.

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Healthy levels of stress can motivate us, but too much, can be unhelpful and harmful. This tool will help you think about ways to release stress.

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Our Shore website is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. 

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Our Shore website is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. 

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Our Shore website is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. Up to half of child sexual abuse is carried out by under-18s. To tackle that, we give teenagers a safe and anonymous place to get help and support. It’s for anyone who: has questions about healthy sexual relationships wants to change their […]

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01/9/25 ‘Sliding into an abyss’: experts warn over rising use of AI for mental health support

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01/9/25 ‘Sliding into an abyss’: experts warn over rising use of AI for mental health support

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Vulnerable people turning to AI chatbots instead of professional therapists for mental health support could be "sliding into a dangerous abyss", psychotherapists have warned.

Psychotherapists and psychiatristssaid they were increasingly seeing negative impacts of AI chatbots being used for mental health, such as fostering emotional dependence, exacerbating anxiety symptoms, self-diagnosis, or amplifying delusional thought patterns, dark thoughts and suicide ideation.

Dr Lisa Morrison Coulthard, the director of professional standards, policy and research at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, said two-thirds of its members expressed concerns about AI therapy in a recent survey.

Coulthard said: "Without proper understanding and oversight of AI therapy, we could be sliding into a dangerous abyss in which some of the most important elements of therapy are lost and vulnerable people are in the dark over safety.

"We're worried that although some receive helpful advice, other people may receive misleading or incorrect information about their mental health with potentially dangerous consequences. It's important to understand that therapy isn't about giving advice, it's about offering a safe space where you feel listened to."

Dr Paul Bradley, a specialist adviser on informatics for the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said AI chatbots were "not a substitute for professional mental healthcare nor the vital relationship that doctors build with patients to support their recovery".

He said appropriate safeguards were needed for digital tools to supplement clinical care, and anyone should be able to access talking therapy delivered by a mental health professional, for which greater state funding was needed.

"Clinicians have training, supervision and risk-management processes which ensure they provide effective and safe care. So far, freely available digital technologies used outside of existing mental health services are not assessed and held to an equally high standard," Bradley said.

There are signs that companies and policymakers are starting to respond. This week OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced plans to change how it responds to users who show emotional distress, after legal action from the family of a teenager who killed himself after months of chatbot conversations. Earlier in August the US state of Illinois became the first local government to ban AI chatbots from acting as standalone therapists.

This comes after emerging evidence of mental health harms. A preprint study in July reported that AI may amplify delusional or grandiose content in interactions with users vulnerable to psychosis.

One of the report's co-authors, Hamilton Morrin, from King's College London's institute of psychiatry, said the use of chatbots to support mental health was "incredibly common". His research was prompted by encountering people who had developed a psychotic illness at a time of increased chatbot use.

He said chatbots undermined an effective treatment for anxiety known as exposure and response prevention, which requires people to face feared situations and avoid safety behaviours. The 24-hour availability of chatbots resulted in a "lack of boundaries" and a "risk of emotional dependence", he said. "In the short term it alleviates distress but actually it perpetuates the cycle."

Matt Hussey, a BACP-accredited psychotherapist, said he was seeing AI chatbots used in a huge variety of ways, with some clients bringing transcripts into sessions to tell him he was wrong.

In particular, people used AI chatbots to self-diagnose conditions such as ADHD or borderline personality disorder, which he said could "quickly shape how someone sees themself and how they expect others to treat them, even if they're inaccurate".

Hussey added: "Because it's designed to be positive and affirming, it rarely challenges a poorly framed question or a faulty assumption. Instead, it reinforces the user's original belief, so they leave the exchange thinking 'I knew I was right'. That can feel good in the moment but it can also entrench misunderstandings."

Christopher Rolls, a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist, said although he could not disclose information about his clients, he had seen people have "negative experiences", including conversations that were "inappropriate at best, dangerously alarming at worst".

Rolls said he had heard of people with ADHD or autistic people using chatbots to help with challenging aspects of life. "However, obviously LLMs [large language models] don't read subtext and all the contextual and non-verbal cues which we as human therapists are aiming to tune into," he added.

He was concerned about clients in their 20s who use chatbots as their "pocket therapist". "They feel anxious if they don't consult [chatbots] on basic things like which coffee to buy or what subject to study at college," he said.

"The main risks are around dependence, loneliness and depression that prolonged online relationships can foster," he said, adding that he was aware of people who had shared dark thoughts with chatbots, which had responded with suicide- and assisted dying-related content.

"Basically, it's the wild west and I think we're right at the cusp of the full impact and fallout of AI chatbots on mental health," Rolls said.

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'Sliding into an abyss': experts warn over rising use of AI for mental health support

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Therapists say they are seeing negative impacts of people increasingly turning to AI chatbots for help

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01/9/25 Why more and more people are tuning the news out: ‘Now I don’t have that anxiety’

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01/9/25 Why more and more people are tuning the news out: ‘Now I don’t have that anxiety’

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Why more and more people are tuning the news out: ‘Now I don’t have that anxiety’

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Emotional toll of constant negative news and unlimited access to ‘doomscrolling’ has led to record-high news avoidance

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15/7/25 How to spot the symptoms of burnout and treat them, according to wellbeing experts

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15/7/25 How to spot the symptoms of burnout and treat them, according to wellbeing experts

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How to spot the symptoms of burnout and experts’ advice to treat them

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Symptoms can creep up without you even noticing, here’s how to spot them and avoid burning out

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Temperature in the workplace: Is it too cold or hot to work? - HSE

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In offices or similar environments, the temperature in workplaces must be reasonable.

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1/6/25 Online dating advice: five ways to stay safe, according to the experts

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1/6/25 Online dating advice: five ways to stay safe, according to the experts

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Online dating advice: five ways to stay safe, according to the experts

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Spotting red flags while online dating is far from easy – especially in the age of AI. We asked the experts for their top tips

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12/5/25 Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate delivers the 2025 Richard Dimbleby Lecture. Gareth reflects on his personal journey, what he has lived through and what he has learned as a leader. He will explore the concept of belief, examine the power of unity and highlight the importance of resilience, especially for young people in a fast-changing and challenging world. Login to BBC required

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12/5/25 Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate delivers the 2025 Richard Dimbleby Lecture. Gareth reflects on his personal journey, what he has lived through and what he has learned as a leader. He will explore the concept of belief, examine the power of unity and highlight the importance of resilience, especially for young people in a fast-changing and challenging world. Login to BBC required

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The Richard Dimbleby Lecture - Sir Gareth Southgate

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Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate reflects on his personal journey as a leader and the importance of belief and resilience.

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Professional Resilience: Building Skills to Thrive at Work

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Professional Resilience: Building Skills to Thrive at Work

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Discover how to build resilience skills to empower your life and career

In a fast-paced world facing complex global challenges, resilience skills are no longer desirable - they're crucial.

Having a high level of professional and emotional resilience enables you to thrive in the face of stressful situations at work, and in life in general.

On this course, you'll learn what resilience is. You'll explore the capabilities, skills, and self-care practices that contribute to building resilience. You will develop resilience skills for yourself, so you're ready to meet both professional and personal challenges.

This course is proudly Certified for Professional Development by CPD UK.

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MARCUS O'DONNELL: Money, terrorism, identity theft, climate change, these are some of the things that keep people awake at night according to a recent UK survey. Another survey from the American Psychological Association found that more than a third of American workers experienced chronic work-related stress. And one in four Canadians say they've left their job due to stress. These statistics are no big surprise. We all feel stress and anxiety. But we also know remarkable people who seem to thrive no matter what life throws at them. What's the secret to being so resilient? I'm Marcus O'Donnell from Deakin University. And in this free, two-week course, we'll explore how we can all become more resilient, investigate how resilience contributes to career success.

We'll discover the role networks and relationships play in building resilience. Most importantly, you'll produce your own resilience plan. There's no big secret to resilience. It's a set of practises. And it's something we'll learn to build together. Resilience is something we all need in our everyday lives. It's not the prerogative of special people. So I really hope you'll join me in this course about building professional resilience.

What topics will you cover?

Overview of resilience and why it's important

Steps to becoming more resilient

Building resilient capabilities and skills

Building resilient self-care practices

Building resilient values and engagement

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service:

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

Define and explain resilience

Apply resilience frameworks to your professional career

Create your own personal resilience plan

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone looking to enhance their career or skillset by learning how to build resilience.

This online resilience training course would be useful for people working in or aiming to work in high-pressure environments.

Endorsers and supporters

recognised by

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning

Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities

Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners

Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course

Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning

Whenever you're ready, mark each step as complete, you're in control

Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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How to Build Resilience at Work - Online Course - FutureLearn

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Discover how to develop emotional and professional resilience, and why it is important with this free online course from Deakin University.

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Develop your understanding of workplace wellbeing

Are you ready to tackle today's rapidly moving world of work?

This two-week course will teach you how to learn, develop, and adapt to changes in the workplace, and how to cope with its demanding environment.

Hearing from professionals and using practical examples, you'll learn the value of resilience and adaptability and how it has helped others create successful careers. You'll also examine the reasons why employers are looking for these skills in particular.

Learn how to thrive in a digital workplace

With guidance from experts, you'll discover how developing new skills helps you to do your job more effectively and adapt to new roles and ways of working.

To help you succeed in the digital workplace, you'll learn how to evaluate your current strengths and identify the value of workplace wellbeing for yourself.

Demonstrate your adaptability skills to shine in an interview

To feel ready to show your skills in an interview, you'll assess and practice your own adaptability.

By the end of the course, you'll have the resilience and skills to look after yourself in the workplace, so you can forge a happier and healthier career.

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Tuyen Do: In today's digital workplace, change is constant. And the need to learn, develop, and adapt with our careers is essential. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Wellbeing and Resilience at Work is one of three courses exploring thriving in the digital workplace. You'll discover what resilience is, why you need to have it, and how to develop it. You'll also hear about people's experiences of how resilience has helped them to create amazing careers. Using practical examples, you'll learn how being adaptable can help in an ever-changing world of work. You'll assess your own adaptability. And be ready to demonstrate your resilience and adaptability in an interview.

This course will guide you to looking after yourself so you can have a happy and healthy career.

What topics will you cover?

What it means to be resilient

How to be resilient

Creating a resiliency plan

What it means to be adaptable

Assessing your adaptability

Demonstrating resilience and adaptability

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for people who have some digital skills but want to build confidence and knowledge in using digital technology in the workplace.

You could be studying, a graduate, re-entering the workplace, or looking to improve your career prospects.

If you want to further your understanding, you may be interested in these courses. They're from the same provider and share similar subject matter and overall learning outcomes:

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

supported by

supported by

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning

Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities

Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners

Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course

Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning

Whenever you're ready, mark each step as complete, you're in control

Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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Wellbeing and Resilience at Work - Digital Skills Course - FutureLearn

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Increase your resilience and adaptability, and explore the value of good health and wellbeing in the workplace with this course from the University of Leeds.

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Free online mental health course: supporting other people

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Free online mental health course: supporting other people

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Mind’s free online course to help you support others

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You’ll build confidence in how to have conversations about mental health and wellbeing, to be there for others in your community.

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Exam Self-Care | Mental Health Advice For Students

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It’s important to look after your mental health while revising for exams, but how can you do this? Our Activist, Rose, shares her favourite ways.

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Tips for Building a Healthy Relationship - HelpGuide.org

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Whether you’re looking to keep a new romantic relationship strong or repair a relationship that’s on the rocks, these tips can help.

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2/2/25 Top tips on building and maintaining healthy relationships

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2/2/25 Top tips on building and maintaining healthy relationships

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3. Set and respect boundaries

Setting boundaries is not only about what you don't want or like in your relationships, but also about letting the people around you know what you appreciate.

Think about and let others know where your boundaries are; respecting your time alone for example.

Doing this can take the pressure off your relationship to commit to anything unrealistic.

4. Talk and Listen

All relationships have disagreements and that's ok. what matters is how you talk and listen to one another.

Listen to understand, rather than listening to respond.

Don't be afraid to express your emotions or vulnerabilities with people you trust.

5. Let go of control

A lot of life is about how we react to our experiences and encounters. Knowing that you can only really control what you do and not what anyone else does will save you time and stress.

6. Reflect and learn

If you have a healthy way of expressing your feelings, you're able to react to other people's in a healthy way. Being angry with someone often comes from a place of feeling hurt and upset. if you can recognise that, you can communicate it, and build better relationships with others.

Reflect on the relationships that work best in your life, what qualities do these relationships have, and how can you bring these qualities into other relationships?

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Top tips on building and maintaining healthy relationships

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Building and maintaining healthy relationships is an important part of looking after our mental health. Here are 6 top tips to support you with yours.

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6/1/25 Stress and Mental Health resources

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6/1/25 Stress and Mental Health resources

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Working Minds digital resource hub - Work Right to keep Britain safe

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Take steps to improve your health. Move more everyday with easy tips, support and special offers from Better Health.

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5/11/24 Free course Get Moving Get Healthy

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5/11/24 Free course Get Moving Get Healthy

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Get Moving Get Healthy Course | Virtual College

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This free course covers the health benefits of physical activity, how much you should be doing, the importance of diet and how you can incorporate exercise into your lifestyle.

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Successful Working from Home - Digital Lorators

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Working from home can be a big adjustment to make if you’re usually in an office or out and about; but it can be just as efficient, if not more so. This handy FREE course provides some hints and tips for making ‘working from home’ work for you.

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Slips and trips - Icy conditions and winter weather

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Simple steps can be taken to greatly reduce the risk of employees having slip/trip accidents in bad weather.

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The rollout of COVID and flu vaccines for older adults, care home residents and those with long term health conditions kicks off today (Thursday 3 October) as the NHS drive to protect against a 'tripledemic' of viruses this winter continues.
Those eligible have been able to book appointments since Monday 23 September and with hundreds of thousands of slots still available, anyone eligible can book in via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy and there are walk in sites available to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The NHS has already invited over 11 million people to come forward and GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both vaccines, but those that are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book.

A pharmacy team in Wolverhampton is offering vaccinations from a mobile unit in a Sainsbury's car park, while 23 care homes across NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria are rolling out vaccinations delivered by their own staff following a successful pilot last year. Sandal Rugby Club in Wakefield will be helping the local community 'try and tackle' the spread of viruses by playing host to a fully booked COVID-19 pop-up clinic.

Flu vaccinations for children and pregnant women started on 1 September, to help stop the virus spreading as schools returned.

In London, teams from Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust are visiting schools across Bexleyheath, while in South East Hampshire 2- to 3-year-olds are getting the flu nasal spray in 'Bluey' themed children's vaccine clinics.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January so starting adult vaccinations from October ensures those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors, and viruses spread.

Earlier this week, new figures from UKHSA showed that over the past two winters there have been at least 18,000 deaths associated with flu and over 19,500 deaths associated with COVID-19.

The Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) jab is also available to those aged 75 to 79 and to pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect their child, with evidence showing it could prevent thousands of A&E attendances, hospital admissions, and serious cases this winter alone.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: "With new figures showing thousands of deaths associated with COVID and flu in recent years, it is clear that the threat of winter viruses is all too real, and it is vital that anyone eligible takes up the offer to get vaccinated.

"There are many slots still available with GP practices, pharmacies and other NHS teams offering quick and easy appointments, so if you have not booked yet then please do using the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 - it could keep you out of hospital this winter.

"With the risk of a 'tripledemic' of winter viruses - COVID, flu and RSV - if you are pregnant or aged 75 to 79, it is also so important that you join those who have protected themselves against RSV in the last month to boost your or your child's protection against a very nasty illness."

Julie Yates, UKHSA's Deputy Director of Immunisation Programmes: "Every year we're seeing many of those at greater risk of getting seriously ill from winter viruses not getting their vaccines, with many thousands ending up in hospital and far too many tragically dying.

"Some of these 'missing million' may not realise they are more vulnerable, but if you are invited for a flu, RSV or COVID-19 jab then it is because you are at greater risk.

"Those with certain long term health conditions, pregnant women, young infants and older people will be among those eligible for some or all of these life saving vaccines.

"So if invited don't delay - get the vaccines. And if you're unsure if you're eligible or have any concerns please do speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist."

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne said: "COIVD and flu can be deadly, especially for the most vulnerable.

"Our winter vaccination programmes, including the new RSV rollout, will provide vital protection to people who need it most - saving lives, reducing hospitalisations and easing pressure on the NHS.

"I urge all those eligible to get their vaccinations as soon as possible." In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024

primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)

secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)

all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

those aged 65 years and over

those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)

those in long-stay residential care homes

carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person

close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants

Those eligible for an autumn COVID booster are:

residents in a care home for older adults

all adults aged 65 years and over%

persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women

frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults

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NHS kicks off COVID and flu jabs to protect against 'tripledemic' | NHS England

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The rollout of COVID and flu vaccines for older adults, care home residents and those with long term health conditions kicks off today (Thursday 3 October) as the NHS drive to protect against a &

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1/10/24 October - World Menopause Awareness Day and Month 2024

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1/10/24 October - World Menopause Awareness Day and Month 2024

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World Menopause Awareness Day 2024 and World Menopause Month

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World Menopause Day takes place on 18 October 2024. This year it focuses on raising awareness of menopause and cardiovascular health and we get to the very heart of why exactly this is such a crucial, and potentially life-saving, issue. It might surprise you to know that coronary heart disease kills twice as many women

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10/9/24 Providing Menopause support and why its important

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10/9/24 Providing Menopause support and why its important

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While the West Sussex hospital said it had not seen any cases related to the new trend, it warned those who adopted it could see the effects in years to come.

The health authority said more episodes of sunburn throughout your life increase the risk of developing skin cancer, as well as premature aging.

The Queen Victoria said it sees around 700 skin cancer patients a year from across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, with this number increasing year-on-year.

Melanoma is the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK, said Mr Orkar.

Cancer Research UK predicts there will be a record 20,800 cases of melanoma skin-cancer diagnosed this year - up from a yearly average of 19,300 between 2020-2022.

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NHS: Health experts warns of cancer-risk link to TikTok trend

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Health experts warn social media influencers are promoting a 'dangerous' activity.

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12/8/24 14,000 women at risk of fractures after the menopause to benefit from bone disease drug 

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12/8/24 14,000 women at risk of fractures after the menopause to benefit from bone disease drug 

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Over 14,000 people to benefit after NICE published final guidance recommending abaloparatide as an option for treating osteoporosis after menopause, if there is a very high risk of fracture.
Abaloparatide (also called Eladynos and made by Theramex) increases bone density by stimulating the cells that make new bone and this reduces the risk of fracture. It can provide an alternative for people who have not responded to, or cannot tolerate, usual treatment options.

The independent committee heard from patients about how debilitating osteoporosis can be and how it impacts all aspects of day-to-day life, such as not going out for a walk because they are fearful of falling and having a fracture. This can impair mental and physical health.

Professor Jonathan Benger, chief medical officer and deputy chief executive

During the menopause oestrogen, the hormone that is important for maintaining bone density and strength, decreases and bone density reduces. This can lead to bone thinning, known as osteoporosis, and therefore broken bones become more common. Fractures can be very painful and limit a person's independence, and they are also associated with increased mortality.

Our focus is on enabling access to care that improves quality of life while offering value to the taxpayer. Abaloparatide has been found by our independent committee to be clinically and cost effective at reducing the risk of fracture, giving people more independence and therefore a better quality of life.

Professor Jonathan Benger, chief medical officer and deputy chief executive

Usual treatment for osteoporosis after menopause in people with a very high risk of fracture includes romosozumab or teriparatide followed by bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid. Abaloparatide is a clinically and cost-effective new option that can be used as an alternative.

It comes as a pre-filled pen that is injected into the muscle through the skin. This means it can be self-administered at home which is convenient for people who are prone to fractures.

It will be available for use on the NHS in England within 3 months.

I know the devastating impact that fractures can have on peoples' lives. I'm delighted that there is going to be another safe and effective drug available which will hopefully stop so many people suffering the effects and fear of having more fractures.

Alison Smith, patient representative

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14,000 women at risk of fractures after the menopause to benefit from bone disease drug | National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)

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Over 14,000 people to benefit after NICE published final guidance recommending abaloparatide as an option for treating osteoporosis after menopause, if there is a very high risk of fracture.

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Not all relationships are healthy. You deserve one that is.

Relationships may be defined in different ways depending on who's involved, but healthy relationships all depend on a few key elements: healthy communication, healthy boundaries, mutual respect, and support for one another. Check in with each other's needs regularly while also giving each other space and privacy, and be sure to keep an eye out for the warning signs of dating abuse.

Remember: abuse is always a choice and you deserve to be respected in a healthy and loving relationship.

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Healthy relationships depend on a few key elements. Take our healthy relationships quiz to find out the status of your situation.

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Read about the symptoms and causes of hay fever, who's affected and what treatments are available.

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18/6/24 Want to improve your own mental wellbeing or increase your awareness of complex mental health issues?

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18/6/24 Want to improve your own mental wellbeing or increase your awareness of complex mental health issues?

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Free Online Psychology & Mental Health Courses - FutureLearn

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With our free online courses on mental health and psychology, you can explore the realities of living with mental health and improve your wellbeing

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14/5/24 Children, Young People and Families Team Notts Support services and contact information

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14/5/24 Children, Young People and Families Team Notts Support services and contact information

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Analysis from the Office for National Statistics has shown this high rate of reduction in the risk of cervical cancer diagnosis can be achieved through vaccination for women aged between 23 and 30.

However, while welcoming the findings, the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) has warned that these results can only be achieved through continued uptake.

It has pointed out that uptake of the HPV vaccine is now significantly lower than before the pandemic, according to government data. Despite this, NHS England has pledged to eradicate cervical cancer by 2040.

The society has also pointed to data showing that the HPV immunisation programme in England almost eliminated cervical cancer in women born since 1995. The prevalence of the types of HPV linked to cancer in vaccinated women dropped dramatically to less than 1%.

In January, Scotland declared no cervical cancer cases have been detected in fully vaccinated women following the start of its HPV immunisation programme for those aged 12-13 in 2008.

RSPH chief executive William Roberts said: "The HPV vaccination programme is a success story of public health prevention. It is a simple, safe and effective intervention that is having dramatic results. When we think big on public heath, the results are transformative.

"This vaccine has the potential to save, and improve the lives of thousands of children by giving them a life free of cancer. As well as saving the health service money, the vaccine will prevent the children of today, as they grow up, from having to deal with the immense physical and emotional hardship that cancer has on people and their loved ones.

"Like all vaccines, its success wholly depends on continued uptake. That's why it's disappointing to see vaccination rates falling among children. Like many in the public health community, we are concerned about the long-term implications this could have. We know that young people overwhelmingly trust vaccines and we need to find ways to make it as simple as possible to get jabbed. This is a trend that we can and need to reverse to protect the health of future generations," Roberts added.

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HPV vaccine effective against cervical cancer, but take-up low

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The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is up to 95% effective in preventing cervical cancer, official data has shown.

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(Image: Jeff Moore/PA Media)

People are being urged to take precautions when having sex as figures show Nottingham has higher rates of gonorrhoea and chlamydia than the national average. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has just released data showing that a record number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were recorded in the East Midlands last year.

Across the region, diagnoses of gonorrhoea were up 90% compared to 2021, with 4,627 cases being recorded. That figure is also up 14.4% on pre-pandemic figures. Smaller increases were recorded for diagnoses of syphilis, which went up 30% compared to 2021, while the highest risk group for STIs is people between the ages of 20 and 24.

In Nottingham itself, the public health team says rates of some infections were higher than the national average. There were 891 gonorrhoea cases last year, a rate of 279 per 100,000 people - higher than the national average of 146 per 100,000.
What is the worst Nottinghamshire road for potholes? Let us know here.
There were also 2,067 cases of chlamydia in people aged between 15 and 24, a rate of 2,887 per 100,000 people - higher than the national rate of 1,680 per 100,000. Lucy Hubber, Director of Public Health at Nottingham City Council said: "The council, sexual health services and partners in Nottingham are working to help raise awareness and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Nottingham.

"The UKHSA 2022 figures do show an increase of STIs post-pandemic. However, this is partly down to an increase in the amount of testing taking place in Nottingham, which is more than that for England, and therefore we are identifying more cases.

"Young people under 25 years of age remain the most likely to be diagnosed with STIs and the rise in cases also shows an increase in transmission within our city. We would remind people, whatever their age or sexual orientation, that when having sex, wear a condom and get tested regularly to help prevent the spread of infections."

Across Nottinghamshire, STI diagnoses increased by 31.3% between 2021 and 2022, with a particularly large increase in cases of gonorrhoea, though the county's public health team says this is in line with an increasing trend over the past decade. Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire County Council, Jonathan Gribbin said: "There are a number of reasons for the increase in diagnosed STIs.

"These include to the opening up of society following the end of COVID-19 restrictions and the increase in testing nationally and locally, including increased access to online testing. Looking after your sexual health is a vital part of taking care of your physical and mental health.

"If left undiagnosed and untreated, common STIs can cause complications and long-term health problems, such as adverse pregnancy outcomes. That is why it's important to get testing and treatment early if you experience symptoms, and to access an STI check annually or after a change of sexual partner.

"People are encouraged to use condoms to protect against STIs and prevent unplanned pregnancy, with annual STI testing also advised. Young people, under 25 years of age, remain the most likely to be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections and those that are sexually active are particularly encouraged to access an STI check annually or if they change sexual partners."

"People are encouraged to access the free, confidential and open access services that are available across Nottinghamshire." Dr Benjamin Rush, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East Midlands, added: "STIs aren't just an inconvenience, they can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners.

"Condoms are the best defence, but if you didn't use one the last time you had sex with a new or casual partner, get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others. Testing is important because you may not have any symptoms of an STI."
Read next:

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Rates of gonorrhoea and chlamydia higher here than rest of UK

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A record number of sexually transmitted infections were recorded in the East Midlands

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Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB, has shared his thoughts on the recent rise in measles cases.
You may have heard about measles in the news recently, that's because there have been a few worrying outbreaks in nearby areas like Leicester and Birmingham.

What many people don't know is just how serious and life-changing the disease can be, especially if an unvaccinated pregnant woman or child catches it.

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases worldwide and one in five children with measles will need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. That's why health professionals are worried about it spreading across the country.

Complications from measles can be potentially life changing including blindness, deafness and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). Analysis shows one infected child in a classroom can infect up to nine other unvaccinated children, a worrying statistic for all parents and teachers.

It's not all doom and gloom though, there is a vaccination programme to protect against this illness, called the MMR vaccination programme. The NHS is acting quickly to tackle the spread of measles by contacting as many unvaccinated people as possible to encourage them to take up the offer of these free and very effective vaccines.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are all that is needed for maximum life-long protection, with the first dose given around the child's first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old.

However, anyone can catch up at any age on any missed doses and it's never too late to protect yourself. The vaccine doses are typically given via a single injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm and are usually delivered with their other one year and preschool vaccinations.

Measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. If caught during pregnancy it can be very serious causing stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight and NHS bosses are urging young adults to catch up on any missed doses before thinking about starting a family.

If you're a parent, please check your child's vaccination status, it is really not worth taking the risk with this nasty illness. Contact your GP to arrange a vaccination and speak to them if you are unsure or have concerns. You can also find more information on the NHS website.

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Why we can't take chances with measles - the importance of the MMR vaccination in protecting those at risk - NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB

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Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB, has shared his thoughts on the recent rise in measles cases. You may have heard [...]

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What do Joe Wicks, Gwyneth Paltrow and Divina McCall have in common?

Yes, they are all celebrities, but did you know that they are all, one way or another, breaking the taboo around, you guessed it - the menopause.

The menopause is slowly getting more traction thanks to some big names creating podcasts and workouts to support women going through this transformative phase.

But now it's time for businesses to catch up.

After all, the menopause isn't just a women's issue - it's everyone's business.

As we celebrate World Health Day on April 7th, discover how you can provide effective employee menopause support and foster a more supportive workplace culture.

It's not as difficult as you think.

Understanding Women's Health in the Workplace

Women's health in the workplace encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, and menopause is a significant part of it.

With 8 out of 10 menopausal women at work, they are the fastest-growing demographic in the workplace. But what exactly is the menopause?

What is the Menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can start earlier or later for some. It is defined as the phase when a woman's body stops menstruating. It begins 12 months after your last period.

What are the symptoms of the Menopause?

The symptoms vary from person to person, but often include:

Cognitive and psychological effects like anxiety, brain fog, depression, mood swings, and irritability

Vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats

Genito-urinary issues like incontinence and urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Musculoskeletal challenges including achy joints and reduced bone density

Digestive discomfort

Fatigue

Sleep disturbances

Increased sensitivity to noise

Dizziness

Headache

Recognising the Impact on Women's Health at Work

In February this year, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued guidance for employers to clarify the legal obligations to employees going through menopause.

Employers must now make sure that they make 'reasonable adjustments' to help women going through the menopause.

This should come as no surprise, as the symptoms mentioned can significantly impact a woman's ability to perform her best at work. From decreased concentration and memory lapses to increased stress and anxiety, these challenges can affect productivity and overall wellbeing.

With more awareness of menopause and the impact issues such as this have on employee wellbeing, it's no wonder that 4 in 10 employersare looking to increase their spending on employee benefits this year. That's according to the latest research from Group Risk Development (Grid).

As an employer, how can you support the 1.2 million women in the UK who have been negatively impacted by menopausal symptoms? Read on to find out.

How to Support Employees Going Through the Menopause

1. Education and Awareness

Start by raising awareness about menopause and its potential impact on work performance. Provide educational resources and training sessions to help managers and colleagues understand the symptoms and challenges women may face during this phase.

2. Introduce Stella - a menopause support app

Stella is a menopause support app designed to assist women in managing their symptoms.

Stella offers personalised health insights, tailored symptom management plans, in-app coaching from psychology-trained professionals, expert content from clinicians, and access to a supportive online community.

Want to know more? Download our factsheet here.

3. Flexible Work Arrangements

Offer flexible work arrangements such as flexible hours, remote work options, or the ability to take breaks when needed. This flexibility can help women manage their symptoms more effectively and maintain their productivity levels.

4. Open Communication

Encourage open and supportive communication channels where employees feel comfortable discussing their menopausal symptoms and any accommodations they may need. Create a culture of empathy and understanding, free from judgment or stigma.

5. Wellness Programmes

Implement wellness programmes that focus on women's health and wellbeing, including initiatives targeted specifically at menopause support. Offer resources such as access to healthcare professionals, counselling services, or wellbeing coachingto help women cope with their symptoms.

6. Policy Review

Review existing policies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of employees going through menopause. Consider implementing policies that address accommodations for menopausal symptoms, such as additional breaks or modified work duties.

7. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)

Offer access to EAPs that provide confidential counselling and support services for employees experiencing menopausal symptoms. These programmes can offer valuable resources and guidance to help women navigate this phase of their lives with confidence.

Support Women's Health in the Workplace

Understanding how to support employees going through menopause is essential for promoting women's health at work and building a more inclusive workforce.

By prioritising employee menopause support, employers demonstrate their commitment to women's health at work and reap numerous benefits for their organisation.

Proactive measures such as education, wellness programmes and using specific menopause apps like Stella, allow you to create a supportive environment where your employees feel empowered to navigate this natural phase of life with confidence and dignity.

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How to support employees going through the menopause

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With 8 out of 10 menopausal women in the workforce, it's crucial to understand how to support employees going through the menopause. Empower women with our tips.

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Work-related stress: How do you manage health and well-being at work?

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Nottingham Safeguarding Adult Board Newsletter

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Nottingham Safeguarding Adult Board Newsletter

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Social isolation is both a risk and an impact factor for people caring for others. Carers may be socially isolated because of their caring role and the impact it has on them. They may experience abuse from the cared for person and this increases their social isolation. Further, they may be unwilling or unable to talk about it.

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member, who due to illness; disability; substance misuse or a mental health need, cannot cope without their support. A young carer is someone under 18 who does this. Local authorities have clear responsibilities towards carers.

Caring can be very rewarding. However, taking on the responsibilities of caring can have a major impact on an individual's life, often leading to isolation and exhaustion. For adult carers it can impact on their ability to work and may lead to ill health and for young carers it can hold back their educational progress and limit their social development.

As carers play a valuable role in safeguarding, it is vital that they are supported in their role, either through a referral to the Local Authority for a Carers Assessment, or via a referral to the respective organisations in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which provide advice and support for carers.

Information regarding local and national support for carers is available via the following links:

May

Fri 12 at Newark Market Place NG24 1DU

Wed 17 at Riverside Health Centre Bulwell NG6 8QJ

Fri 19 at Mary Potter Health Centre Hyson Green NG7 5HY

June

Wed 7 at St Ann's Valley Health Centre NG3 3GG

Fri 16 at Mansfield Market Place NG18 1HX

Thurs 22 at Hucknall Market Place NG15 7AX

Fri 23 at Cornerstone Health Centre Clifton NG11 8EW

July

Wed 5 at Riverside Health Centre Bulwell NG6 8QJ

Fri 7 at Mary Potter Health Centre Hyson Green NG7 5HY

Mon 10 at Sutton-in-Ashfield Market Place NG17 1BA

Thurs 13 at Retford Market Place DN22 6HB

Fri 14 at Worksop Market Place S80 1JA

Fri 12 at Kirkby-in-Ashfield Market Place NG17 7BQ

August

Wed 2 at Lark in the Park West Bridgford NG2 6AT

Thurs 3 at Hucknall Market Place NG15 7AX

Thurs 10 at Kings Mill Hospital Mansfield NG17 4JL

Wed 16 at St Ann's Valley Health Centre NG3 3GG

Fri 18 at Cornerstone Health Centre Clifton NG11 8EW

Wed 23 at Arnold Market, Eagle Square NG5 7EL

What are Emergency Alerts?

The new Emergency Alerts service will be live from March 19, and you should expect to receive a test message on that day. The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone if their lives are at risk in an emergency. The service will be used to warn you about life-threatening emergencies such as severe flooding.
What will the alert look and sound like?
An Emergency Alert looks and sounds very different to other types of messages such as SMS 'text messages'. You'll know if you get an Emergency Alert because you'll hear a loud, siren-like sound and your phone will use a distinct vibration. A message will appear on your screen until you acknowledge it.

The Board met virtually on 11 January 2023, and the meeting was chaired for the first time by Scott MacKechnie

The Chief Executive Officer of Broxtowe Borough Council gave the "Voice of the Service User" presentation in relation to homelessness in the districts and the work being undertaken to engage with individuals

The Chief Officer of the Integrated Care Board gave a presentation on the Integrated Care Strategy and Winter Planning

Updates were provided in relation to the recent work of the Learning and Development Sub-Group, the Quality Assurance Sub-Group (including Safeguarding Data), and the Safeguarding Adults Review Sub-Group

A representative of the Integrated Care Board gave an update on a working group set up to provide assurances to the NSAB further to a Panorama Report on the Edenfield Centre Mental Health Unit

The Board's Chair gave an update some of the work he has undertaken since taking on the role, including work around transitional safeguarding

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Social isolation is both a risk and an impact factor for people caring for others. Carers may be socially isolated because of their caring role and the impact it has on them. They may experience abuse from the cared for person and this increases their social isolation.

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Take our quick, 5-question quiz for personalised ideas to improve your mental health and wellbeing, ready for whenever you need it. Click to get Your Mind Plan now.

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Right Now, Someone, You Know Might be Struggling. Donate to Mind and Help Make a Difference. Depression is the #1 Cause of Disability and Ill Health. We’ve Never Needed Your Help More. Sharing Reliable Advice. Support Through Crisis. Infoline Text Service.

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How to be your best self in times of crisis | Susan David

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Once upon a time, there was a world before our own: a land where the internet didn't exist; where digital technologies did not permeate our every waking hour. It was a magical place... of playing outdoors, looking up information in books, visiting the library! An age when you didn't know everybody's bad opinions on every single topic, and where meeting people actually involved going to a physical place! That fabled land is a fading memory. Now it's hard to go a day without using online digital technologies.

We face a new and confusing world, where we can barely tell fact from fairytale; where trolls no-longer simply hide under bridges; where mobs are ready to pounce on our every indiscretion, and where big bad wolves keep their big big eyes on us, recording our every action. Has something got lost in this digital forest? Is our Prince Charming ghosting us or micro-cheating? Have we traded the prospect of a happy ending for a handful of magic beans? The world we're in is not all grim, but it reminds us anew of the need to look after our health, safety, relationships... even our environment - not only in the physical reality of old, but in the virtual spaces we now inhabit.

In this course we'll be exploring some of the research, from York and elsewhere, that seeks to investigate the positive uses of digital technologies for our health, society and education. We'll question how we might use such technologies in a way which fosters safe, accessible, and socially responsible online communities; ...that makes this new world of our a better place for all of us. So join us on our quest, as we step between these physical and virtual spaces in pursuit of our personal and social wellbeing, reflecting on our own practices, and exploring the different ways by which we might all live with digital technology happily ever after...

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Digital Wellbeing - Online Wellbeing Course - FutureLearn

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Once upon a time, there was a world before our own: a land where the internet didn't exist; where digital technologies did not permeate our every waking hour. It was a magical place... of playing outdoors, looking up information in books, visiting the library!

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No matter how bad things are, we can help.

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1 in 4 people will be affected by a mental health problem in their lifetime - we are here to support them when they do.

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Welcome to MindEd for Families, Children and Young People. We hope you like our new design. If you are a regular user you might find that some of the topics have moved, or the titles have been changed slightly. But we still have all the same great content, and we hope it will be easy to find what yo…

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Improve and maintain your mental health

If you're struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, this simple mental health quiz can help. It generates a personalised plan based on the information you provide.

If you want help to deal with anxiety or low mood, tips to reduce stress or advice on how to fall asleep faster and sleep better, start the quiz above.

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Take our quick, 5-question quiz for personalised tips and advice on looking after your mental health and wellbeing. Update your plan any time for new tips.

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Access to Work Mental Health Support Service

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Access to Work Mental Health Support Service

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Access To Work Mental Health Support Service poem

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If an employee has a mental health issue, it's important their employer takes it seriously. For example, it's a good idea to talk to the employee to find out what support they might need at work.

There are many types of mental health issue. An issue can happen suddenly, because of a specific event in someone's life, or it can build up gradually over time.

Common mental health issues include:

stress (this is not classed as a medical condition but it can still have a serious impact on wellbeing)

depression

anxiety

Less common ones include:

The law

Employers have a 'duty of care'. This means they must do all they reasonably can to support their employees' health, safety and wellbeing. This includes:

making sure the working environment is safe

protecting staff from discrimination

carrying out risk assessments

Discriminating against someone with a disability

A mental health issue can be considered a disability under the law (Equality Act 2010) if all of the following apply:

it has a 'substantial adverse effect' on the life of an employee (for example, they regularly cannot focus on a task, or it takes them longer to do)

it lasts at least 12 months, or is expected to

it affects their ability to do their normal day-to-day activities (for example, interacting with people, following instructions or keeping to set working times)

A mental health issue can be considered a disability even if there are not symptoms all the time, or the symptoms are better at some times than at others.

If an employee has a disability, employers:

It's a good idea to work with the employee to make the right adjustments for them, even if the issue is not a disability. Often, simple changes to the person's working arrangements or responsibilities could be enough. For example:

allowing them more rest breaks

working with them each day to help prioritise their workload

Find out more about:

Why talking openly about mental health is important

If staff feel they can talk openly about mental health, problems are less likely to build up. This could lead to:

less time off for a mental health issue

improved morale at work

Creating a supportive environment

It's helpful if employers create an environment where staff feel able to talk openly about mental health.

For example:

treating mental and physical health as equally important

making sure employees have regular one-to-ones with their managers, to talk about any problems they're having

encouraging positive mental health, for example arranging mental health awareness training, workshops or appointing mental health 'champions' who staff can talk to

Employers can find out more about promoting positive mental health at work, including:

understanding mental health

creating a mental health strategy

educating the workforce

Supporting someone with signs of a mental health issue

Find out how to support someone at work with signs of a mental health issue.

If an employee needs time off

Find out about managing absence caused by a mental health issue.

Training and other support

You can book Acas training on mental health at work.

You can get help and information about mental health at work from:

You can also get help for people with disabilities from Access to Work.

You can use 'Wellness Action Plans' to put steps in place to support your mental health. If you're a manager you can use them with your team members. Find out more about Wellness Action Plans from Mind.

If you're a member of a trade union, you can also get help and information on mental health from them.

If you're unhappy with how your employer has dealt with your issue

You can raise the issue with your employer.

More on mental health at work

You can read:

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If an employee has a mental health issue, it's important their employer takes it seriously. For example, it's a good idea to talk to the employee to find out what support they might need at work. There are many types of mental health issue.

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The Science Of Happiness Course | Pursuit of Happiness

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Take a Free Introductory Course on Positive Psychology and the Science of Happiness and get 20% off the Certificate Course.

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Tips for coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Tips for coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Although seasonal affective disorder is very common, it's not something you hear talked about enough. It is similar to depression, except it comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, with the symptoms usually being mainly present during the winter. These symptoms include low mood, a lack of energy, a loss of pleasure in activities you would normally enjoy, and feelings of irritability.

Over the years of experiencing seasonal affective disorder, I have found a plethora of coping mechanisms that every winter I try to implement in my life. I want to share these with you in case they help. You don't have to implement every coping mechanism I mention here; I know the motivation isn't always there to try and get better. Some days you just want to curl up and have a duvet day, and that is perfectly valid. These are just some techniques that have helped me cope with my feelings. I have found that even if I try one of the following coping mechanisms, it brings me one step closer to feeling that little bit better.

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Tips For Coping With Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Although seasonal affective disorder is very common, it's not something you hear talked about enough. It is similar to depression, except it comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, with the symptoms usually being mainly present during the winter.

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SPEAKING UP - First News Education

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Former girl band member, Frankie Bridge, joins Dr Alex and teenager Tilly to discuss why it's important to speak up if you're feeling down.

Follow up activities

These ideas are taken from Young Mind's resources for schools.

Discussion: What self-care techniques help you?

Discuss in pairs what self-care techniques involving other people you find helpful when you are feeling a bit low. Are they the same self-care techniques Dr Alex and Frankie use?

Activity 1: Starting conversations to support friends

In groups - think of conversation starters you might use to support a friend who you think is worrying about something. How do you show a friend you are there for them and can listen?

Key things to remember: When listening to a friend, it is not your job to try to make everything ok. Just listening is often enough. If you think your friend needs some help, ask which trusted adult they would like to tell - perhaps you could volunteer to go with them. Remember, that you might have to tell a trusted adult if you worry that your friend could be in danger. So, do not promise your friend that you won't tell a parent or a teacher. If you are worried about your own or a friend's wellbeing then it is always best to tell a trusted adult, so that they can help. This could be a parent, carer, teacher, football coach etc. Safe sources of support also include Childline and Shout 85258.

Note to teachers/teaching staff: Feed back and make a list of conversation starters that students agree might be helpful such as: You don't seem yourself; do you want to talk? Do you want me to talk to your mum/Ms X or Mr X?

Activity 2: Starting conversations to help yourself

Think of something that has been on your mind - you will not have to share this with anyone in the room. Think about who knows about this. For example, you might have told a friend, parent, boy/girlfriend, cousin etc.

Then ask yourself - who do you know who is good to talk to? Are there any of the same people in both groups? It is common to be able to identify people who are good to talk to, yet they are sometimes not the ones you always approach.
It might be worth repeating these exercises if you need to share something on your mind.

These resources are available to you if your school has an active First News Education subscription. Your ID can be found in the email we sent you containing your order details. If you can't find it, call us on 01371 851 898.

If you do not currently have a subscription, you can view options here.

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These ideas are taken from Young Mind's resources for schools. Discuss in pairs what self-care techniques involving other people you find helpful when you are feeling a bit low. Are they the same self-care techniques Dr Alex and Frankie use?

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Vikki and George take us through a short meditation focusing our attention on our senses.

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For many people or many people, back-to-back video meetings are a hallmark of the pandemic era. One conversation ends, another begins, and too often there's no chance to stretch, pour a glass of water, or just clear your head.

In our latest study of brain wave activity, researchers confirmed what many people sense from experience: Back-to-back virtual meetings are stressful. But the research also points to a simple remedy-short breaks.

"Our research shows breaks are important, not just to make us less exhausted by the end of the day, but to actually improve our ability to focus and engage while in those meetings," says Michael Bohan, senior director of Microsoft's Human Factors Engineering group, who oversaw the project.

Settings in Microsoft Outlook make it easier and automatic to carve out these essential breaks between back-to-backs-and because we know that one size does not fit all, companies have two options. Individuals can set scheduling defaults that automatically shorten meetings they schedule. And now customers have the ability to set organization-wide scheduling defaults that shorten meetings and create space for breaks for everyone at the company.

"The back-to-back meetings that have become the norm over the last 12 months just aren't sustainable," says Jared Spataro, CVP, Microsoft 365. "Outlook and Microsoft Teams are used by millions of people around the world, and this small change can help customers develop new cultural norms and improve wellbeing for everyone."

Here at Microsoft, because we have many employees in different functions around the world, we're encouraging individuals to turn on the setting if it works for them and their team. And as we shift into hybrid work, we'll continue to learn and look for ways to improve the way we work together in this new, more digital world.

The case for breaks: what the research says

As the pandemic upended routines and heightened the digital intensity of workdays, hundreds of researchers across Microsoft came together to study how work is changing, amassing one of the world's largest bodies of research on the subject.

Our most recent study builds on that work. Microsoft's Human Factors Lab sought to find a solution for meeting fatigue-a pressing concern in our new era of remote and hybrid work. Researchers from the lab, which examines how humans interact with technology, asked 14 people to take part in video meetings while wearing electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment-a cap to monitor the electrical activity in their brains.

The 14 volunteers each participated in two different sessions of meetings. On one day they attended stretches of four half-hour meetings back-to-back, with each call devoted to different tasks-designing an office layout, for example, or creating a marketing plan. On another day, the four half-hour meetings were interspersed with 10-minute breaks. Instead of hurriedly jumping from one meeting to the next, participants meditated with the Headspace app during the breaks.

To ensure clean data, all the participants taking breaks were assigned the same downtime activity-in this case meditation-so the results would be comparable. The sessions took place on two consecutive Mondays; some participants started with back-to-backs while the others had breaks between meetings, and the next week they switched. We also had additional people join meetings with the research subjects to simulate a typical day interacting with various teams.

The research showed three main takeaways.
1. Breaks between meetings allow the brain to "reset," reducing a cumulative buildup of stress across meetings.
As we've seen in previous studies, in two straight hours of back-to-back meetings, the average activity of beta waves-those associated with stress-increased over time. In other words, the stress kept accumulating.

But when participants were given a chance to rest using meditation, beta activity dropped, allowing for a "reset." This reset meant participants started their next meeting in a more relaxed state. It also meant the average level of beta waves held steady through four meetings, with no buildup of stress even as four video calls continued.

The antidote to meeting fatigue is simple: taking short breaks.

Your brain works differently when you take breaks

Taking time out between video calls prevents stress from building up.

2. Back-to-back meetings can decrease your ability to focus and engage.
When participants had meditation breaks, brainwave patterns showed positive levels of frontal alpha asymmetry, which correlates to higher engagement during the meeting. Without breaks, the levels were negative, suggesting the participants were withdrawn, or less engaged in the meeting. This shows that when the brain is experiencing stress, it's harder to stay focused and engaged.

In sum, breaks are not only good for wellbeing, they also improve our ability to do our best work.
3. Transitioning between meetings can be a source of high stress.
For the participants deprived of breaks, researchers also noticed that the transition period between calls caused beta activity, or stress levels, to spike.

That might be because "you're coming to the end of the meeting, knowing you have another one coming right up, and you're going to have to switch gears and use your brain to think hard about something else," Bohan says.

For those participants, beta wave activity jumped again when new check ins started. When people took meditation breaks, by contrast, the increase in beta activity dropped between meetings, and the increase at the start of the next meeting was much gentler and smoother.

Jumping directly from one meeting to another can cause spikes of stress

Taking breaks between conversations eases that stress.

The takeaway: Breaks, even short ones, are important to make the transitions between meetings feel less stressful.

"What makes this study so powerful and relatable is that we're effectively visualizing for people what they experience phenomenologically inside," Bohan says. "It's not an abstraction-quite the opposite. It's a scientific expression of the stress and fatigue people feel during back-to-backs."

How we are adapting our products-and practices

These findings helped inform settings in Outlook that allow individuals or organizations to set defaults that shave five, 10, or 15 minutes off Microsoft Teams meetings to carve out breaks between conversations.

For example, an individual or company might decide to start its meetings five minutes after the hour or half-hour, so that 30-minute check ins drop to 25 minutes and hour-long conversations shorten to 55 minutes. That means a half-hour meeting that would have started at 11 a.m. will become a 25-minute meeting beginning at 11:05 a.m.

It's not just the brain research that supports this change. Digital overload has become an urgent issue in the new era of remote and hybrid work. In Microsoft's 2021 Work Trend Index published in March, 54 percent of respondents in a global external survey said they feel overworked, while 39 percent described themselves as outright exhausted.

Over the past year, we have introduced several new capabilities to foster wellbeing in this time of rapid change. Together mode in Microsoft Teams helps combat meeting fatigue; a virtual commute helps reestablish boundaries between work and home; and a Headspace integration coming with the Microsoft Viva Insights app promotes mindfulness. This new Outlook setting is a next step in this wellbeing journey, with more to come.

One final note: If you're using the new setting in Outlook to build in break times between meetings, consider stepping away from your computer. "Try not to use that five or 10 minutes to squeeze in some other kind of work," Bohan says. "Catch your breath and take a break away from your screen."

Strategies for making breaks successful-and beating meeting fatigue

Because we know making space for breaks is easier said than done, we've pulled together some research-backed tips on carving out time to pause, getting the most from moments of respite, and making meetings more effective and energizing.

Shift your mindset. While it might feel more productive to power through back-to-backs, research shows the opposite is true. View breaks away from your computer as an essential part of your workday.

Find break activities that calm your mind. Meditation is one effective way to relax and recharge between meetings, but other studies show that physical activity such as walking is also beneficial. Past Microsoft studies suggest that doodling or reading something enjoyable also bring benefits. "It can be anything that takes your mind away from work-related things and focuses it on something that you feel is relaxing," Bohan says. That will help you be refreshed and recharged when you start your next meeting.

Create even more time for breaks by considering other modes of communication. Before scheduling a video call, pause and ask yourself: Do we really need a meeting on this issue? More dynamic, creative, or emotional topics may require a meeting, while status check ins and informational subjects may benefit from document collaboration, a Teams channel, or email. Other simple tasks may be handled via chat. Read more about creating time for breaks.

Make meetings more intentional. The best-and often shortest-meetings are more intentional. Best practices like creating and sending an agenda ahead of time, being thoughtful about who attends, starting and stopping on time, and transitioning to a recap for the final five minutes will make it easier to accomplish your goals in less time. Read more about intentional meetings.

Keep participants engaged and energized. In virtual meetings, it can be hard to chime in remotely. A moderator can help ensure remote participants are included. Features like Raise your hand, Whiteboard, and Breakout Rooms in Microsoft Teams are great ways to use technology to elicit creative and strategic conversations.

Stay up-to-date with WorkLab

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For many people or many people, back-to-back video meetings are a hallmark of the pandemic era. One conversation ends, another begins, and too often there's no chance to stretch, pour a glass of water, or just clear your head. In our latest study of brain wave activity, researchers confirmed what many people sense from experience: Back-to-back virtual meetings are stressful.

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It’s time for all of us to break the silence about our struggles with mental health, and especially with suicidal feelings. Because silence costs lives.

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4 new crisis sanctuaries in Nottinghamshire

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4 new crisis sanctuaries in Nottinghamshire

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Mental Health Support

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Nottingham Crisis Sanctuaries | Turning Point

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Each Crisis Sanctuary will have 3 trained Crisis Intervention Workers who will provide recovery-focused crisis support in a trusted and consistent space for people who require out of hours mental health support. If required, onward community referrals will be made.

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It's not always easy to tell why you're feeling down when you're online. Take some time to go through your social media feed to work out what's making you feel good, and what's not.

Show/hide caption

At the top of the image, the text reads: Clean your feed. Underneath that there is smaller text which reads: How do the posts you see make you feel? The first post-it note is of a smiley face emoji with the text: Wahey! Keep it coming. The next post-it note is a sleeping emoji with the text: Bored? Worth your time? The third post-it is the angry emoji with the text: Angry, probably unfollow. The fourth is an emoji with no mouth, it reads: Speechless, good way or bad? The next is a smiley emoji with two hands that reads: Inspired, share the love. The final post-it has a sad face with the text: negative, nobody needs this.

Unfollow or mute accounts

Try unfollowing or muting accounts that annoy you, upset you, or take up too much of your time.

Delete social media apps

Remember you don't have to be on every social media channel. Try deleting one app from your phone for a week and see what happens.

Limit your time online

Try limiting your time on social media before you go to sleep and when you first wake up.

Think before you post

Before you post or comment ask yourself: am I doing something positive for myself and the people who'll see this?

Use the emoji scale

Use our emoji scale to work out how stuff in your social media feed is making you feel.

Whatever your passions are in life, you're not alone. There are accounts out there that will interest and excite you, and help you explore your passions.

Being part of a positive online community can give a boost to your mental health.

Explore and discover

See which accounts people you enjoy following follow themselves, and explore the hashtags they use to discover more stuff like it. Don't forget to shout out positive people by liking, commenting and sharing their posts.

Positive content

Follow accounts that make you feel good, keep you interested and share positive content (e.g. @youngmindsuk).

Build your feed

Build your own positive following, as well as following positive people. Did you know that you can select who follows you and what they see?

You are not alone

You are not alone. Whatever your passion is, there will be other people online who share it. Find like-minded online communities and use social media to fuel your passions.

Be aware

It's important to remember that while many online mental health communities are positive spaces, some can be negative for you and your recovery. Avoid any spaces that encourage you to do things which are harmful for your physical or mental health. If you're struggling with things you're experiencing online, talk to someone you trust.

You never know what someone else is going through and, whether you realise it or not, your support could make all the difference.

Social media is a great place to let your friends know you haven't forgotten them, that you care about them and that they matter - and getting involved in making the online world a more positive place to be could give you a boost too!

Support causes

What change would you like to see in the world? Use your feed to support the causes you care about and help make them happen.

Check in with yourself

Check your mood before using social media, and think about what you're going on there to do before you dive in. Ask yourself: is social media going to make me feel better or worse right now?

Positive communities

Remember: not all the advice you get online is from experts, even if it comes from people who know what you are going through. Positive communities will never advise you to do anything harmful, or anything which makes you feel worse.

Apps like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube make it easy to track your time online, whether you're on iOS or Android.
For Facebook, go to More > Settings and privacy > Your time on Facebook.
For Instagram, go to Your account > More > Settings and your activity.

You can set daily reminders telling you how long you've been using an app. On Facebook for example, go to Your time on Facebook > Set daily reminder. Then set your ideal daily usage.

Apps like Hold are handy, especially if you're trying to focus on studying. Hold rewards you for putting your phone down. You get 'pocket points' which can be exchanged for coffee vouchers and cinema tickets. There are many other apps out there that help you stay off your phone, but don't reward you, like Moment, Stay Focused and OFFTIME.

Meditation apps like Calm have stories that can help you get to sleep, as well as daily breathing exercises that help you relax. Calm even has masterclasses taught by world-renowned experts.

If you'd like to switch off the blue night your screen emits at night, some phones have night mode.
iOS
Go to Settings > Control Centre > Night Shift
Older iPhones have shortcuts to Night Shift if you swipe up from the bottom of the screen. The shortcut on newer iPhones appears if you drag down from the top right of the screen.
Android
Android devices often have an 'eye comfort' mode. This setting can be found by dragging your finger down from the top of the screen and tapping 'eye comfort'. If you press and hold this option, you'll also find a convenient schedule option to save you more work.

When you need to unwind, you may find that something simple like trying an audiobook rather than reading on your phone may help. Apps like Audible come with a 30-day free trial.

For free advice, pop into any O2 shop to speak to an O2 Guru. Whether you're an O2 customer or not, you can chat to a Guru about setting up your phone and choose apps to work for you.

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Graphic by @crazyheadcomics that shows a list of things it's okay to do on social media to look after your mental health.

If you are experiencing online bullying, you need to report it. You need to remember that the people who are hurting you might be hurt themselves. You are never alone and your problems are not insignificant.

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Social Media and Mental Health | Tips and Advice

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How you experience social media can affect your mental health. Find out what help is available if you ever feel overwhelmed by social media.

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Essential support for under 25s

The Mix is the UK's leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you're facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.

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The Mix. Registered charity number: 1048995

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Welcome to The Mix, the online guide to life for young people in the UK.

Your Voices is a community-focused section of The Mix where you can share stories about your experiences on a specific issue. Upload your own videos, images, blog posts, and playlists to Your Voices and share them with your friends.

Don't have a Your Voices account? Sign up here to submit your own content.

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The Mix - Essential support for under 25s

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The Mix: 0808 808 4994 - Free information and support for under 25s in the UK. Get advice about sex, relationships, drugs, mental health, money & jobs.

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We’re encouraged to eat at least ?ve fruit and vegetables a day to take care of our physical health, but what about...

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Get support for your wellbeing and mental health

Develop skills to build confidence, resilience and improve your general wellbeing

Resources to support stress and anxiety

Whether it's work, school, or problems at home - it's easy for life to sometimes feel overwhelming. Explore our resources that include tips and advice that can help you better deal with feelings of stress, worry and anxiety, as well as building resilience.

Resources to support community connections

Our connections and relationships with others are incredibly valuable, but often are neglected. Learn more about how to maintain connections and feel more confident building them.

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Wellbeing Support | Activities & ideas | British Red Cross

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Advice and activities for adults and children to support wellbeing, tackle loneliness, build resilience, and help manage stress, anxiety, and worry.

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Get Help 24/7 confidential text support service

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Get Help 24/7 confidential text support service

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Get help - free, 24/7, confidential mental health text support service

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Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text us from wherever you are in the UK. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, our trained Shout Volunteers are here for you, day or night. If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.

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Information on what to do if you're feeling low or struggling to cope.
It's okay. It's common to feel this way.
You're not alone in feeling like this. Many people struggle to cope at one point or another and going through a range of emotions during this time is common.

You can contact Samaritans any time you like or you might also want to speak to someone else you trust like a family member, your GP or arrange to see a counsellor.

You are never alone

When people are going through a tough time they often experience negative thoughts about themselves and feel they have no-one to turn to.

Even if you don't have family or friends close by, you are never alone. Samaritans volunteers are here for you every day of the year, round the clock.

These feelings may not last forever

Everyone feels low at some point in their lives and if you're struggling to cope it may be difficult to see beyond your current situation. Talking about how you're feeling can help put things into perspective and help you to feel more positive about the future.

Identify trigger situations

There are all sorts of reasons why you may be finding it hard to cope. Often it's due to a combination of things.

Perhaps you're going through:

relationship and family problems

loss, including loss of a friend or a family member through bereavement

financial worries

job-related stress

college or study-related stress

worry about current events

loneliness and isolation, or struggling with self-isolation

depression

painful and/or disabling physical illness

heavy use of or dependency on alcohol or other drugs

thoughts of suicide.

There are lots of things you can do to help yourself

Make time for yourself, relax and do things you enjoy

Eat healthily; get plenty of sleep and exercise

Spend time with people you love

Talk about your problems with people you trust

Be proud of what you're good at, as well as aware of what you struggle with

Pay attention to what you're feeling.

If you've stopped doing things you usually love, you're tearful, not eating or sleeping properly, drifting from people close to you, taking alcohol or drugs to cope or self-harming, then talk to us, or someone you trust.

Relaxation exercises

Controlled breathing

It might sound simple, but controlled breathing can be a useful tool for feeling calmer quickly and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. This technique is easy to memorise and can be practised almost anywhere. Practise this for as long as you need to feel the benefits.

To practise this technique, all you need to do is this:

Breathe in for four seconds

Hold your breath for four seconds

Breathe out for four seconds

Wait four seconds before repeating

Keep repeating this until you start to feel calmer. Look for both mental and physical signs, like your thoughts and your heartbeat slowing down.

You may already know what triggers your negative thoughts and feelings. If you do, try using this breathing technique if you know you will encounter a certain trigger, or immediately after.

Muscle relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and releasing pairs of muscles in sequence. It can help if you imagine tension leaving your body as you release your muscles.

You'll need a quiet, private space for this to work well. Find somewhere to sit, with your feet planted shoulder width apart, flat on the ground. You might like to read through the steps of this simple technique first, then practise without any guidance, and you may want to use the breathing exercise above before you use this one.

We'll start with the muscles in your head. Tense your forehead muscles by raising your eyebrows and holding for up to 10 seconds. Then release, imagining tension leaving your body.

Repeat this, working down through pairs of muscles throughout your body. Try to tense them for up to 10 seconds before releasing.

When you've finished, don't get up straight away. Stay where you are for a minute or so, then, when you do get up, do so slowly. You can practise this technique whenever you notice yourself becoming stressed or anxious.

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Information on what to do if you're feeling low or struggling to cope. It's okay. It's common to feel this way. You're not alone in feeling like this. Many people struggle to cope at one point or another and going through a range of emotions during this time is common.

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Depression motion graphic  awareness campaign

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General tips that be used to support conversations

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General tips that be used to support conversations

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Voices in The Middle - For Young People When Parents Split Up

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Go To Discussion Boards

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS as it is more often known, is part of the NHS. They assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.

CAMHS teams have a wide range of experienced professionals including nurses, therapists, psychologists, support workers and social workers.

If your parents are separating, you may be experiencing significant distress. This is where CAMHS, with their trained professionals, can be helpful.

Do I need support from CAMHS?

Feeling a bit low from time-to-time is normal for most people. If your parents are separating, you are probably going to feel more unhappy than usual. But there will be times when you feel OK, too.

However, if you are feeling unhappy and low for a prolonged period of time, it could mean it's time to seek professional help.

Sometimes young people can refer themselves to CAMHS to seek help, this depends on the particular service in your local area. If you cannot self-refer, you have to be referred by an adult. That person can be a parent, teacher, doctor, social worker and some other professions.

Young people receiving social care support, school intervention, or part of a youth offending team, can also be referred.

What does CAMHS do?

CAMHS supports a wide range of issues that may affect young people including depression, eating disorders, self-harm, abuse, anger, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety and more.

For more complex problems, CAHMS may ask for help from other mental health professionals with more specialist training.

What happens at a CAMHS appointment?

CAMHS is there to help, so try not to worry about any upcoming appointment. Before you go, you may find it useful to consider the below:

You can take someone with you to the appointment

It's a good idea to write a list of everything that you want to ask

A diary of things that are worrying you can be useful - it will help explain how you are feeling

You can ask for leaflets and recommended websites about any treatments or conditions you discuss.

It's a good idea to give yourself extra time to find the place of your appointment

Once there, you will meet a trained professional and be able to talk to them in confidence. They may ask permission to talk to other people, especially if they are worried about your safety.

You might be asked a lot of questions and they might want to talk your family. This is usually because they want to get a good understanding of the situation.

Once they have a good sense of you and what you want, they will suggest different things that can help. Together, you will decide what to do next together.

Sometimes, older teenagers will be given support by adult mental health services rather than CAMHS. This will depend on your age, where you live and your needs.

Non-NHS Support

There can be a significant waiting list for CAMHS services. Fortunately, many local authorities and charities provide other initiatives that can be accessed more quickly.

Generally, this is most suitable for less significant issues. Many local charities and voluntary groups provide youth counselling services, music and play therapies, as well as youth mentoring support.

Most schools have pastoral staff who can help by organising structured support through youth mentoring, peer support and youth counselling. This is often the responsibility of the Special Educational Needs Coodinator (SENCO). So, it may be useful to talk to a friendly teacher or your SENCO at school to explain the issues you are facing.

Where Can I Find Help?

If you need someone to talk with, head over to our discussion boards.

Use our Share Your Story tool to write down your thoughts and read about others feeling the same.

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CAMHS - Voices in The Middle - For Young People When Parents Split Up

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Go To Discussion Boards Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS as it is more often known, is part of the NHS. They assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. CAMHS teams have a wide range of experienced professionals including nurses, therapists, psychologists, support workers and social workers.

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Quiz for 14-18s - UK Safer Internet Centre

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Tell us more

What do you want to tell us about?

Note:

Please don't include personal details like your name or email address. If you do, data protection law means we'll have to delete your comments.

Unfortunately we can't reply to this. If you want a response from us, see our Contact us page.

If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently then you could call Samaritans on 116 123 (freephone). Our pages on crisis services have more options.

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Tell us more What do you want to tell us about? Note: Please don't include personal details like your name or email address. If you do, data protection law means we'll have to delete your comments. Unfortunately we can't reply to this. If you want a response from us, see our Contact us page.

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Young British Muslims talk mental health

As a Muslim, your faith can help you cope with life's pressures. But being a young Muslim in the UK isn't always easy. You might face challenges related to your religion or cultural identity, which can impact your mental health. But you don't have to face this alone.

We know that mental health advice that doesn't take into account your faith, or cultural background, might not be as helpful as you need. And if you're struggling, it can feel especially difficult to talk about what you're going through if you're worried you'll be misunderstood.

We're not experts in Islam. And we can't change society and mental health services to be more religiously and culturally aware overnight, even though we'd like to. But we believe you deserve the right support for you. That's why we've partnered with Muslim Youth Helpline, and worked with lots of young Muslims from across the UK to create information and advice that's designed with young British Muslims in mind.

Self-care for young Muslims

Everyone struggles with how they feel sometimes, and that's okay. The first step is realising that your feelings are valid. If you're struggling, practising self-care is something you can try to help.

Our self-care guide for young Muslims gives faith-friendly advice and tips to help you take positive steps towards looking after yourself. The guide is shaped by young Muslim voices, and looks at self-care in the context of Islamic faith and culture.

What are self-care and self-love?

Self-care

Self-love

Putting yourself first

To look after yourself, sometimes you need to put your needs first. But putting yourself first isn't always easy.

We spoke to a group of young British Muslims, who told us that it can sometimes feel like, to be a good person, you need to put everybody else first.

You might feel pressure from people around you to act in a way that meets their expectations, sometimes at the cost of your own wellbeing. This pressure might also come from within, which can be just as difficult to deal with.

But if you only ever do things for others and never for you, this can impact your own wellbeing. That's why putting yourself first is not a luxury or selfish thing to do, but a necessity.

When you find a balance between helping yourself and helping others, it can be easier for you to make sure that you don't neglect your own needs.

For more tips on prioritising your mental health, take a look at our guest blogger's story on how Maryam's story in the Qur'an inspired them to look after their mental health.

To me self-care is about doing what I need to do in order to fulfil the potential God gave me and not waste it.

Shayan, 18

Here are some of the reasons why the young Muslims we spoke to struggled to put themselves first, and things that helped them:

It's important to find a balance between looking after yourself, and what you do for or because of other people. There's no one right way to do this. But a good place to start is knowing that how you feel matters.

Setting boundaries

Why are boundaries important?

Putting boundaries in place can help you to look after your mental health when you're dealing with pressure - this might be from friends, family, or other people in your life. Or it might even be pressure you put on yourself.

Setting boundaries is about working out what you need for your wellbeing, and taking the steps to get there.

If you're thinking about setting boundaries, below are a few things that might help.

Show/hide caption

Image by @thelanterninitiative on Instagram. Text reads: "Healthy boundaries... #1 Not tolerating disrespectful behaviour from others. #2 Saying "no" to something that compromises your emotions, values or wellbeing. #3 Knowing who you are and not letting another person's toxic comments affect or change this. #4 Accepting kindness and consideration from others like you give to others."

Working out what boundaries will help you can be tricky. It might be helpful to talk to someone you trust about it, for example, a friend, family member, a school or university counsellor, a colleague, or a faith leader. This might also be something you'd like to talk to a mental health professional about.

Talking about your feelings

Talking about your feelings isn't always easy. And when it's hard to open up to the people around you, you might feel like you need to ignore your feelings or keep them hidden. But remember, how you feel matters - and talking to someone can really help.

A good place to start is thinking about who you can speak to. You might want to talk to your parents, or another member of your family, like a cousin or sibling. Or you might feel more comfortable talking to a friend or an adult who you trust, like a teacher, lecturer, sports coach or colleague. If you're not sure who to turn to, or how to start a conversation, take a look at our advice on how to ask for help.

You can also read Shah's story on what opening up about his mental health taught him as a young Muslim man.

Don't make the same mistake as me and think it's going to be difficult to open up. When I found the right person to talk to, I couldn't stop speaking - and speaking things into existence not only validates how you feel but helps you figure things out yourself too.

Talking about how you feel is often the first step to feeling better. But opening up can feel hard when you're worried about how the person or people will react. This can be even harder if the person we're opening up to isn't used to talking about mental health - particularly if they feel some kind of cultural stigma about it.

It can also feel difficult opening up about your mental health to someone who doesn't share the same cultural or religious background as you, especially when you're talking about things that relate to your culture or religion. You might be worried that they will misunderstand you, or judge you.

Working out who you're most comfortable talking to is important. But even when you know who you want to speak to, you may still worry about their reaction - this is entirely normal.

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Image by @blairimani on Instagram. Text reads: "A guide for tough conversations by Blair Imani. 1. Start from a place of mutual respect. 2. Speak to share, not to change minds. 3. Be present and listen with intention. 4. Set boundaries and respect boundaries. 5. Speak from your personal experience, not on behalf of others. Be open to credible sources when discussing information that is not personal. 6. Be patient with yourself and others. Conversations do not need to be won."

Remember, it's okay if they're not able to be the support you need right now. Some things take time, and right now, there will be other people you can open up to.

Getting professional help

Getting professional help can feel scary, especially when you don't know what to expect. But sometimes getting the right professional support is what you need to start to feel better.

There are lots of different types of professional help, like therapists, psychologists and GPs. There are also free helpline and listening services available through charities and other organisations, where you can call and talk to trained advisers. It can be helpful to understand what support is available to you, so you can choose what works for you.

Whether you're seeing your GP, a therapist, or any other service, it's important to remember that everyone's experience is different.

Here are just some of the ways that professional support can help:

Finding the right support

While mental health professionals are trained to be non-judgmental and open-minded, every individual therapist, doctor or other professional is different. Some will be excellent at supporting you and making you feel comfortable and understood. But others might not have the level of awareness, skill or ability to relate to you and understand you in the way that you need. Remember, you deserve the best treatment possible for you, so if something's not working for you, talk to someone about it. And if one thing doesn't work for you, remember there are always other options, and you will find something that does help.

If you're not happy with the support you're receiving, we talk about the steps you can take in our guides to counselling and therapy and how to speak to your GP.

Find out more about getting professional help and support in our advice guides.

Cultural and faith sensitive support

We know that support and advice that doesn't take into account your faith and culture can be unhelpful. You deserve professional help that is culturally-informed and religiously aware, so you can feel truly understood and get the right support for you.

Unfortunately, you don't often get much choice when it comes to who you are offered to speak to on the NHS. But that doesn't mean that this route won't work for you, or that the support on offer won't be the exact thing you need right now.

If you are seeing a mental health professional who doesn't share your cultural background or faith, and you feel this is having an impact on how they can support you, it's okay to talk to them about how this makes you feel. It can feel uncomfortable at times, but there may be things they can do to show better cultural sensitivity and understanding. However, it's important to remember that it's not your responsibility to teach them about your faith, culture or background. And it's okay for you to say that you want to speak to someone who might better understand you and your experiences or to look for another support option.

You might find it helpful to get professional support through an organisation that offers culturally and faith specific support for young Muslims.

Muslim Youth Helpline offers faith and culturally sensitive support by phone, live chat, WhatsApp or email.

It's important not to blame yourself for struggling with how you feel. There are lots of different things that can impact your mental health, which are outside of your immediate control and aren't your fault. These might be things in your personal world, like peer pressure or family issues, or things in the wider world like racism, Islamophobia, sexism, or homophobia. Sometimes these things can overlap as well. For example, you might have friends who are pressuring you in a discriminatory way. Going through this might make you feel frustrated, angry, powerless, upset, and lots of other feelings.
Remember, you're not alone in how you feel - there are others who will share your experiences and feel the same as you.
Read this real story on the ups and downs of being a modern Muslimah.

Show/hide caption

Artwork by @spiritual.psychologist on Instagram. Text reads: "Your mental health does not exist in a vacuum. Racism. Islamophobia. Hate crime. Body image. Colourism. Sexism. Poverty. Casteism. Homophobia. Peer pressure. Family issues. Relationships."

I have experience of people treating me differently because of the colour of my skin. This can range from micro-aggressions from calling me the same name as someone else in class, to making blatant insensitive comments. This has taken a toll on my health and also how I view and trust my school.

Campaigning for change

Last year, thousands of young people told us the changes that need to happen to make the world a better place for their mental health. We've listened, and now the Government needs to do the same. We're calling for:

quicker and easier access to NHS mental health services

better mental health support in schools

early support hubs in every community

These early support hubs are typically more culturally-relevant to the communities they serve.

If you want to add your voice and take action, join our campaign to #EndTheWait.

Where to get further help

If you're struggling with your mental health, you don't have to face this alone. Here are some organisations and helpline services that can support you.

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Young British Muslims talk mental health As a Muslim, your faith can help you cope with life's pressures. But being a young Muslim in the UK isn't always easy. You might face challenges related to your religion or cultural identity, which can impact your mental health. But you don't have to face this alone.

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Young British Muslims talk mental health

As a Muslim, your faith can help you cope with life's pressures. But being a young Muslim in the UK isn't always easy. You might face challenges related to your religion or cultural identity, which can impact your mental health. But you don't have to face this alone.

We know that mental health advice that doesn't take into account your faith, or cultural background, might not be as helpful as you need. And if you're struggling, it can feel especially difficult to talk about what you're going through if you're worried you'll be misunderstood.

We're not experts in Islam. And we can't change society and mental health services to be more religiously and culturally aware overnight, even though we'd like to. But we believe you deserve the right support for you. That's why we've partnered with Muslim Youth Helpline, and worked with lots of young Muslims from across the UK to create information and advice that's designed with young British Muslims in mind.

Self-care for young Muslims

Everyone struggles with how they feel sometimes, and that's okay. The first step is realising that your feelings are valid. If you're struggling, practising self-care is something you can try to help.

Our self-care guide for young Muslims gives faith-friendly advice and tips to help you take positive steps towards looking after yourself. The guide is shaped by young Muslim voices, and looks at self-care in the context of Islamic faith and culture.

What are self-care and self-love?

Self-care

Self-love

Putting yourself first

To look after yourself, sometimes you need to put your needs first. But putting yourself first isn't always easy.

We spoke to a group of young British Muslims, who told us that it can sometimes feel like, to be a good person, you need to put everybody else first.

You might feel pressure from people around you to act in a way that meets their expectations, sometimes at the cost of your own wellbeing. This pressure might also come from within, which can be just as difficult to deal with.

But if you only ever do things for others and never for you, this can impact your own wellbeing. That's why putting yourself first is not a luxury or selfish thing to do, but a necessity.

When you find a balance between helping yourself and helping others, it can be easier for you to make sure that you don't neglect your own needs.

For more tips on prioritising your mental health, take a look at our guest blogger's story on how Maryam's story in the Qur'an inspired them to look after their mental health.

To me self-care is about doing what I need to do in order to fulfil the potential God gave me and not waste it.

Shayan, 18

Here are some of the reasons why the young Muslims we spoke to struggled to put themselves first, and things that helped them:

It's important to find a balance between looking after yourself, and what you do for or because of other people. There's no one right way to do this. But a good place to start is knowing that how you feel matters.

Setting boundaries

Why are boundaries important?

Putting boundaries in place can help you to look after your mental health when you're dealing with pressure - this might be from friends, family, or other people in your life. Or it might even be pressure you put on yourself.

Setting boundaries is about working out what you need for your wellbeing, and taking the steps to get there.

If you're thinking about setting boundaries, below are a few things that might help.

Show/hide caption

Image by @thelanterninitiative on Instagram. Text reads: "Healthy boundaries... #1 Not tolerating disrespectful behaviour from others. #2 Saying "no" to something that compromises your emotions, values or wellbeing. #3 Knowing who you are and not letting another person's toxic comments affect or change this. #4 Accepting kindness and consideration from others like you give to others."

Working out what boundaries will help you can be tricky. It might be helpful to talk to someone you trust about it, for example, a friend, family member, a school or university counsellor, a colleague, or a faith leader. This might also be something you'd like to talk to a mental health professional about.

Talking about your feelings

Talking about your feelings isn't always easy. And when it's hard to open up to the people around you, you might feel like you need to ignore your feelings or keep them hidden. But remember, how you feel matters - and talking to someone can really help.

A good place to start is thinking about who you can speak to. You might want to talk to your parents, or another member of your family, like a cousin or sibling. Or you might feel more comfortable talking to a friend or an adult who you trust, like a teacher, lecturer, sports coach or colleague. If you're not sure who to turn to, or how to start a conversation, take a look at our advice on how to ask for help.

You can also read Shah's story on what opening up about his mental health taught him as a young Muslim man.

Don't make the same mistake as me and think it's going to be difficult to open up. When I found the right person to talk to, I couldn't stop speaking - and speaking things into existence not only validates how you feel but helps you figure things out yourself too.

Talking about how you feel is often the first step to feeling better. But opening up can feel hard when you're worried about how the person or people will react. This can be even harder if the person we're opening up to isn't used to talking about mental health - particularly if they feel some kind of cultural stigma about it.

It can also feel difficult opening up about your mental health to someone who doesn't share the same cultural or religious background as you, especially when you're talking about things that relate to your culture or religion. You might be worried that they will misunderstand you, or judge you.

Working out who you're most comfortable talking to is important. But even when you know who you want to speak to, you may still worry about their reaction - this is entirely normal.

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Image by @blairimani on Instagram. Text reads: "A guide for tough conversations by Blair Imani. 1. Start from a place of mutual respect. 2. Speak to share, not to change minds. 3. Be present and listen with intention. 4. Set boundaries and respect boundaries. 5. Speak from your personal experience, not on behalf of others. Be open to credible sources when discussing information that is not personal. 6. Be patient with yourself and others. Conversations do not need to be won."

Remember, it's okay if they're not able to be the support you need right now. Some things take time, and right now, there will be other people you can open up to.

Getting professional help

Getting professional help can feel scary, especially when you don't know what to expect. But sometimes getting the right professional support is what you need to start to feel better.

There are lots of different types of professional help, like therapists, psychologists and GPs. There are also free helpline and listening services available through charities and other organisations, where you can call and talk to trained advisers. It can be helpful to understand what support is available to you, so you can choose what works for you.

Whether you're seeing your GP, a therapist, or any other service, it's important to remember that everyone's experience is different.

Here are just some of the ways that professional support can help:

Finding the right support

While mental health professionals are trained to be non-judgmental and open-minded, every individual therapist, doctor or other professional is different. Some will be excellent at supporting you and making you feel comfortable and understood. But others might not have the level of awareness, skill or ability to relate to you and understand you in the way that you need. Remember, you deserve the best treatment possible for you, so if something's not working for you, talk to someone about it. And if one thing doesn't work for you, remember there are always other options, and you will find something that does help.

If you're not happy with the support you're receiving, we talk about the steps you can take in our guides to counselling and therapy and how to speak to your GP.

Find out more about getting professional help and support in our advice guides.

Cultural and faith sensitive support

We know that support and advice that doesn't take into account your faith and culture can be unhelpful. You deserve professional help that is culturally-informed and religiously aware, so you can feel truly understood and get the right support for you.

Unfortunately, you don't often get much choice when it comes to who you are offered to speak to on the NHS. But that doesn't mean that this route won't work for you, or that the support on offer won't be the exact thing you need right now.

If you are seeing a mental health professional who doesn't share your cultural background or faith, and you feel this is having an impact on how they can support you, it's okay to talk to them about how this makes you feel. It can feel uncomfortable at times, but there may be things they can do to show better cultural sensitivity and understanding. However, it's important to remember that it's not your responsibility to teach them about your faith, culture or background. And it's okay for you to say that you want to speak to someone who might better understand you and your experiences or to look for another support option.

You might find it helpful to get professional support through an organisation that offers culturally and faith specific support for young Muslims.

Muslim Youth Helpline offers faith and culturally sensitive support by phone, live chat, WhatsApp or email.

It's important not to blame yourself for struggling with how you feel. There are lots of different things that can impact your mental health, which are outside of your immediate control and aren't your fault. These might be things in your personal world, like peer pressure or family issues, or things in the wider world like racism, Islamophobia, sexism, or homophobia. Sometimes these things can overlap as well. For example, you might have friends who are pressuring you in a discriminatory way. Going through this might make you feel frustrated, angry, powerless, upset, and lots of other feelings.
Remember, you're not alone in how you feel - there are others who will share your experiences and feel the same as you.
Read this real story on the ups and downs of being a modern Muslimah.

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Artwork by @spiritual.psychologist on Instagram. Text reads: "Your mental health does not exist in a vacuum. Racism. Islamophobia. Hate crime. Body image. Colourism. Sexism. Poverty. Casteism. Homophobia. Peer pressure. Family issues. Relationships."

I have experience of people treating me differently because of the colour of my skin. This can range from micro-aggressions from calling me the same name as someone else in class, to making blatant insensitive comments. This has taken a toll on my health and also how I view and trust my school.

Campaigning for change

Last year, thousands of young people told us the changes that need to happen to make the world a better place for their mental health. We've listened, and now the Government needs to do the same. We're calling for:

quicker and easier access to NHS mental health services

better mental health support in schools

early support hubs in every community

These early support hubs are typically more culturally-relevant to the communities they serve.

If you want to add your voice and take action, join our campaign to #EndTheWait.

Where to get further help

If you're struggling with your mental health, you don't have to face this alone. Here are some organisations and helpline services that can support you.

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Young British Muslims talk mental health As a Muslim, your faith can help you cope with life's pressures. But being a young Muslim in the UK isn't always easy. You might face challenges related to your religion or cultural identity, which can impact your mental health. But you don't have to face this alone.

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New Notts 85258 mental health text messaging service

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New Notts 85258 mental health text messaging service

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Shout 85258 is the UK’s first free 24/7 mental health text support service, for anyone, anytime.