This is a great video on the Ask Twice initiative. https://youtu.be/nOkH2jGK4p0?si=8L_RpzKqwkP0A6HG

Finding the power of hope

We all know keeping fit is good for our physical health, but did you know it is also extremely good for our Mental Health too?! Personally for me I have been really enjoying cycling during the lock down and have recently been going out with a good friend (social distancing involved 🙃 ), which has helped us both. I'm not particularly fit at the age of 53 and I am starting to fray at the edges a little bit, but the cycling has helped me not only with coping with the Covid19 lock -down, but also with everyday anxiety struggles with my mental health. Not only that, I have been getting fitter.... extending the range each time, starting at just 8 miles….. or should I say 13k cos it sounds more! 🤪 I am really experiencing the positive benefits not only physically but also mentally. So how about YOU? Maybe consider taking up some exercise during this lock-down and build it into your natural rhythm of life. It doesn't have to be cycling; It can be walking, running, dancing, Yoga, keep fit or Gym anything. Graham Foxwell @ Cedar Tree Mental Health & Well-being. www.cedartree-mhw.co.uk

A lived in experience....

Through a number of groups, we work with, friends and family, I know many people are finding this covid19 lifestyle extremely hard. Whether you are shielding at home, furloughed, working full time or part time, one of our ‘keyworkers’ or other it is tough. You could be part of a large family unit or on you own, this covid19 lockdown will affect us all to caring degrees and in many different ways. Some are absolutely hating it and others are seeming to thrive. But one thing is for sure, everyone is affected and has had their daily routine, meaning and purpose disrupted.

This blog has been taken from the talk ‘Dare to Hope’ by Graham Foxwell of Cedar Tree Mental Health and Well-being. It is used in the Cedar Tree Mental Health Awareness course.

Most people experience grief when they lose something or someone important to them. What you do.....

So, this week is Mental Health Awareness Week (18th – 24th May). It is good to highlight this important topic with an awareness week, but the truth is, we all experience mental ill-health at some point in our lives. There are several statistics on this subject but let’s go with the NHS one: 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 10 children are experiencing mental ill-health. That’s a lot of people struggling with mental ill-health right now........

There are many common misconceptions about suicide that prevent us from talking to someone or recognising just how serious the problem of suicide is.