Make Time for Mental Health

The WI is calling on members to take action to make it as acceptable to talk about mental health as it is about physical health. Find out more below.

Mental health matters as much as physical health. The NFWI urges all WI members to recognise the importance of parity between mental health and physical health, and take action to make it as acceptable to talk about mental health issues as much as physical health issues, and to lobby government for better support for mental illness.

Proposed by Callow End WI, Worcestershire Federation

At the NFWI Annual Meeting in June 2018, delegates were clear that action must be taken to improve the way we view mental health. The WI’s Make Time for Mental Health campaign aims to tackle the stigma associated with mental health problems and asks for better support for those who need it. It calls on WI members to recognise the importance of parity between mental and physical health and take action to make it is as acceptable to talk about mental health as it is about physical health.

Educational videos  

To support federations and WIs in starting and facilitating conversations about mental health, we have launched the first in a series of short educational videos.

In each, you will hear from a WI member with experience in this area, whether that be through personal experience or their profession.

The first video, published on World Mental Health Day 2019, features WI member Laura Merriman who talks about the six ways to wellbeing.

It is accompanied by a discussion guide which offers a timed agenda with suggested topics of discussion, as well as external sources of mental health support.

All of these resources are free and can be used to help plan your meetings.

To download Laura’s full video and the discussion guide, which has been produced in partnership with Rethink Mental Illness, visit My WI.

Postcard action

We have launched a postcard action to encourage healthcare professionals to ask people about their mental and physical health.

This is based on research that suggests people with mental health needs often feel a lack of attention has been paid to their physical health, while others with physical health needs report the opposite effect.

We know this won’t be possible in all instances as healthcare professionals work in pressured time slots. However, where feasible, simply asking someone "How is life?" can encourage them to start talking about their mental health. Our postcard is designed as a reminder of this.

To find out how to take part, visit My WI.

Campaign resources

Download the Make Time for Mental Health action pack.

Or to request a hard copy, contact the NFWI Public Affairs department: publicaffairs@nfwi.org.uk

How common are mental health problems in the UK?

According to the Mental Health Foundation: