South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, (SECAmb), is encouraging its staff and volunteers to spend time thinking and talking about their mental health ahead of Time to Talk Day this week (Thursday 2 February).
Throughout February, the Trust will also be raising mental health awareness among staff and volunteers with a campaign – Your Mind Matters. The campaign will focus on the importance of people looking after their mental health and highlight the support available to those who may need it.
The awareness campaign will be built around the Association of Ambulance Chief Executive’s (AACE’s) Mental Health Continuum – a tool which helps people think about their wellbeing and what actions can be taken to improve it. The continuum also helps individuals identify when their mental health is low.
SECAmb Mental Health Lead, Gary Ebsworth-Davies said: “We know that a career with the ambulance service, while rewarding, is also challenging. Pressures can also impact on family and friends and it’s vital that mental health isn’t a taboo subject. I would encourage everyone to take the time to think and talk about mental health.”
Time to Talk Day takes place this Thursday (2 February). Run by the charities, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, it takes place each year and encourages people to have conversations about mental health. Further information is available at Time To Talk Day – Time To Talk Day – where there are also useful resources available to download.