Day 6 - MHAW (23/05/20)

Today I have done yoga and website work. We didn't do a daily walk today as everyone was feeling pretty tired and it has also been incredibly windy out there all day. It was very warm again though.

Today I thought I would focus on Kindness again and highlight some of the things that have been happening this week.

Daisy Edgar-Jones from Normal People took part in an online fundraiser in aid of mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) along with other celebs including her co-star Paul Mescal, Iain Stirling and Joe Sugg. They played along, going head to head in the event called CALM Lock-In: Mario Kart Edition on May 19th. This was available to watch via Instagram Live and Twitch. Viewers were invited to donate throughout the event to support the important work undertaken by CALM. During lockdown they have received in excess of 19,000 calls/conversations and prevented 80 suicides. CALM CEO, Simon Gunning suggested that a fun evening such as this could help to distract people from the incredibly tough times we are all currently living through.

Anyone wanting support for themselves or a loved one can access CALM online via thecalmzone.net

The helpline and webchat is available 7 days a week 5pm-midnight: 0800 585858

ITV have continued with their 'Get Britain Talking' campaign with 20 famous faces joining forces this week to urge the public to take time out to remember people, reach out to them and let them know you care. The powerful message these faces leave us with is that 'the ones not expecting your call could be the ones who need it most.'

Research carried out by ITV has found that 55% of people in a YouGov survey stated they were more worried than usual about their families mental health and that 57% of us are more conscious than usual of the need to look after our mental wellbeing. The coronavirus pandemic and Covid-19 has added to worries and anxiety generally and the isolation required to overcome it has heightened the emotional strain on many. Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, has expressed support for the ITV campaign, particularly as this Mental Health Awareness Week is so important in order to ensure the message gets out there to continue supporting and connecting with each other.