Mental Health Awareness Week

Tuesday 23 January 2024

This week marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.

The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21^st year and runs from 10-16 May has been supported by ABCUL and its credit union members across the country.

“Promoting Mental Health awareness is a key priority for the Association and it’s important to show support to our member credit unions all across the country,” says ABCUL CEO, Robert Kelly. “The pandemic and lockdown has affected so many people in different ways and from the very beginning in March 2020, we have been here to support our members each and every day.”

To create a sense of connection and community when many were feeling isolated throughout lockdown, ABCUL has supported members through exclusive weekly online meetings. They attracted high attendance from across its membership – from every area of the country and of all sizes and business models. In total there were 3,109 attendances from 132 credit unions across 8 months and 29 meetings.

In its most recent meeting, the Association welcomed members to discuss mental health and how it impacts our day-to-day lives. Matthew Weaver of FAIRshare Credit Union and Julia Daniel of North London Credit Union gave an honest discussion on how we can improve the lives of our staff, board and members.

Robert Kelly added: “I’d like to give thanks to the speakers this week for providing an honest and thought-provoking session helping us better understand the benefits of caring for your mental health and why it’s so important to reach out and talk as and when you need to.  ABCUL will continue to champion the cause, promotion of, and understanding of these key issues”.

Members of ABCUL’s Young Professionals Network are also participating in a series of six webinars, aimed at supporting people in the management of stress and anxiety. “We’re providing a strong understanding of how mental wellbeing can be improved and developed, and how integral it is in shaping a successful career and life,” says Chair of the YPN, Paul Norgrove.

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek