Blog Post

The Journey: World Mental Health Day 2019

Elliot • 10 October 2019

Today is World Mental Health Day 2019. While mental health issues can impact anyone at any time, today is a great reason to talk about it and challenge the stigmas that can be associated with it. The theme for this years campaign is suicide awareness . You'll know from my previous vlog post , where I shared my own experiences, that spotting the signs and getting access to help is essential. But people need the will to ask for help, or to offer help when they spot the signs that something is wrong. For this, the stigma of mental health needs to end.

I'm left hugely encouraged by the amount of exposure that the cause is now getting. You may have already seen the national TV campaigns, showcasing support from celebrities and royalty. Most importantly, we're seeing even greater levels of funding for organisations like Mind , the Mental Health Foundation and Young Minds , and social movements like Time to Change. All of this increases the access to support and the availability of a meaningful conversation. And it's having an effect.

As some of you will already know, I've just started a new job, with a fantastic company. I can't begin to tell you how pleased I was that within the first half day 1, I'd been signposted to a variety of wellbeing support options which included a network of mental health first aiders. As new starters, we were also directed to an internal website where we could read the personal stories of a number of staff members (one of whom is a close friend of mine already - you're a total hero V.)

There's no denying that prevention is better than cure and to aid that, Mind have published a handy guide on how to maintain your mental wellbeing. You can find that here. It's well worth a read. Perhaps, share it with your workplace or amongst your family or friends?

However, sometimes it gets past the point of prevention. That's when you need to ask for help. I'd always recommend your GP, but there are also a whole host of other specialist services that can help someone in crisis.

You can call Mind on: 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.

If you need urgent help, or are worried about someone else, you can request help from Mind here: I need urgent help.

It's also well worth remembering the Samaritans. You can call them on 116 123, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Don't forget...

You are not alone;

#mindyourmind #wmhd #mentalhealthmatters

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The journey: The Reveal

by Elliot • 19 Feb, 2021

Firstly, in addition to sharing the video of the reveal I said I would share details of the JustGiving page that we've set up to raise some funds for The Royal British Legion , The Alzheimer's Society and Mind in his memory. You'll find the page for donations HERE , and I've also updated the original post with the same link. Alternatively, you can click on the charity logo image below.

The Journey: Goodbye Grandad

by Elliot • 14 Feb, 2021

If you knew my grandad personally his funeral will be held on 25 March 2021 at Sandwell Crematoriu m, although it is likely that Covid-19 restrictions will limit numbers. In lieu of flowers, all we’re asking is that you do what came so naturally to him - Tell those people precious to you that you love them. If you’d like to make a donation to his memory, we will be splitting the proceeds three ways. To the Royal British Legion, the Alzheimer’s Society and of course, to Mind. You can do so by heading to our JustGiving page . For now though, there are plenty of wonderful memories for us to immerse ourselves in. How lucky we are to have them. And how lucky we were to have you; Ron, Ronaldo Longero, Corporal R.S Long, ‘Old Grumpy’... Grandad. Sleep well. We love you.