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.

Take part in NFWI research

To find out what WI members think of NHS mental health care, and whether they have experienced barriers to accessing support, we have launched a short survey. You don’t need to have had personal mental health concerns to take part, and you won’t be identifiable from your responses.

The findings will be used to inform the planning of the next phase of the campaign.

It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and all responses will be kept confidential.

The survey will close on Friday 20th September. Please note, this research is only open to WI members.

To find out more and take part, please visit: https://thewi.org.uk/s/mentalhealthsurvey

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: