MP praises Mental Health Awareness week
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MP for Gordon, Richard Thomson, has marked the start of the 20th Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health, by praising many acts of kindness which people have shown throughout the coronavirus lockdown in the north-east.
Organised by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week runs until May 24 and is highlighting the theme of kindness.
On the event Mr Thomson said: “Mental health awareness is important at all times but has been particularly so over the last few weeks.
"Simple acts of kindness and consideration for others that we experience or carry out for others can really affect this.
“From the Ellon Round Table’s Santa Sleigh going round to collect donations for the foodbank and Inverurie 'Helping Hands' reaching out to those who need assistance, there have been many outstanding acts of kindness recently throughout the Gordon area.
"More widely, we've also seen companies donating tablet computers to help bring families together digitally; local shops delivering goods for those who cannot leave home; fitness instructors running free online classes and local businesses supporting community efforts in many other small but crucial ways which help to make life better for everyone.
" They deserve our gratitude for helping to keep people connected and helping all of us remember that even in difficult times, there will always be many, many people working selflessly to do the best they can to help others."
Chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, Mark Rowland, said: “This year may be the most important week we have ever hosted, as cope with and begin think about recovering from the Coronavirus pandemic.
"We must do all we can to reduce the psychological and social impacts of the pandemic which are likely to last far longer than its physical effects.
“At time when we must socially isolate, stories of kindness have helped spread a shared sense of connection and joy.
"The research backs this up - kindness is deeply connected to mental health.
"The message this Mental Health Awareness Week is that kindness matters.
"It matters to our mental health and it will matter hugely in the society we build from here, one that better protects our mental health.”
The public are encouraged to get involved online by sharing stories and pictures of kindness during the week using #KindnessMatters and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
