Three Rivers supports Mental Health Awareness Week

Three Rivers is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. Running from 18-24 May, this year’s theme is kindness, fitting for the challenging times the local community finds itself in. Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by a genuine desire to make a positive difference. Kindness can turn a frown upside down, it can cure loneliness, reduce stress, create a sense of belonging, and deepen relationships.

There has been an increase in residents struggling with their mental health and many feel that there is a stigma around speaking about their feelings. As we all learn to cope and adjust to a different way of life, ensuring we look after our mental health couldn't be more important.

Three Rivers already funds Mental Health Community Support Workers and Domestic Abuse Workers, together with Thrive Homes, Watford Community Housing and the Police and Crime Commissioner. These staff have been able to continue to provide support to some of the most isolated and vulnerable people in the District at this incredibly difficult time.

The council set up a food hub in April to help feed vulnerable people, which to date has provided supplies to almost 700 residents! Staff are committed to helping communities in any way they can: calls are being made to businesses to encourage them to apply for grants, care is being given to homeless people, questions are being answered via phone and social media, and reassurance is being given with each virtual contact made.

Andy Stovold, Head of Community Partnerships, said: “We have been impressed by the speed at which services such as Herts Mind Network have adapted their services to provide increased support to residents at this time, including their 24-hour crisis line and their online group and individual support sessions, for both adults and young people.”

Sara Bedford, Leader of the Council, added: “We all need to not only protect our own mental health during this pandemic, but also need to make sure our families, friends and the wider communities are coping with the effects of Covid-19. Kindness is a universal language that we all appreciate and need.

“A simple smile, call or help with shopping can help make someone’s day. I know how much our staff appreciate residents taking the time to acknowledge acts of kindness shown by council staff and volunteers. I am grateful for you taking the time to share these.”

These are just a few examples, please share some of the acts of kindness that you have seen within Three Rivers. The council wants to celebrate our local communities so please by share your stories with us via #ThreeRiversDC or email consult@threerivers.gov.uk

For more information visit: www.threerivers.gov.uk .