Dagenham and Rainham Labour candidate supports ‘Time to Talk’ movement.

Monday 13th May was the start of Mental Health Week 2024 and the theme set by the Mental Health Foundation this year is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health.’

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue of some kind every year in England, yet despite the progress on public understanding there is still stigma attached to many conditions which can prevent people from seeking help.

Margaret Mullane, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Dagenham and Rainham has long supported campaigns which seek to break down barriers and get people the help they need, such as the Time to Talk movement.

Margaret told the Havering Daily: “Over the years managing the MP’s Office I have sadly seen an increase in casework with an element of mental ill health. We work with some excellent partners in the local area such as Talking Therapies, Havering Mind, and others, to ensure that constituents who are struggling or feeling suicidal are supported through their personal crises. Mental Health Awareness Week and other events throughout the year are an important way to signpost people to the services they need.”

There are many factors which can have a negative impact on mental health, such as social and economic pressures which can lead to higher rates of mental ill health in more deprived areas of the country. However, there are things everyone can do to combat feelings of depression and anxiety, along with many other conditions.

Margaret Mullane added: “Normally the focus of Mental Health Awareness Week is to get people talking, but this year I am encouraging people in Dagenham and Rainham, who may be struggling, to get moving. Exercise and physical activity are a great way to de-stress but with our busy lives it can often be hard to find the time. This week, whether it’s opting to walk a short journey, take a stroll on your lunch break, or hit the gym – find time to move for your mental health.”

There are some fantastic resources available online, with lots of suggestions to get people started on their journey to better mental health. You can find them using the links below.

Mental Health Foundation | Everyone deserves good mental health

Home – Havering Mind

Homepage | Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) (thecalmzone.net)

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

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