What does Action for Mental Health mean to us?

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we have been reflecting on what “action” for mental health really means within social care.

At Active Prospects, action for mental health means making sure people have access to support that is accessible, practical and shaped around different needs. Recognising that wellbeing is not separate from everyday life. It is influenced by belonging, confidence, environment and feeling heard.

For autistic people and people with learning disabilities, barriers to accessing the right support can still be significant. Traditional approaches do not always reflect different communication styles, sensory needs or the importance of personalised, relationship-based support.

That is why creating safe spaces for honest conversations, emotional coping strategies and community connection continues to be an important part of our approach.

One member of our Active Wellbeing Team shared:

“Action for mental health means being proactive in taking steps to support individuals mental health. Educating people on coping strategies, finding new social spaces to reduce loneliness and create a sense of belonging. It is important to promote open conversations around mental health; by having these conversations, it allows individuals to feel heard and less alone.”

Throughout the week, our wellbeing teams have been running a range of sessions focused on recovery, resilience, connection and emotional wellbeing. Activities included a Wellbeing Recovery Action Planning workshop for staff supporting recovery journeys, sessions exploring emotional coping strategies, and the launch of an online Mental Health Forum designed to continue conversations and action beyond the awareness week itself.

Alongside organisation-wide activity, our homes and services have also been creating further opportunities for people we support to focus on their own wellbeing in ways that are enjoyable and inclusive.

At our short breaks service, one of the week’s activities included a pamper and mocktails session, where people from across different homes came together to relax, and spend time together. The atmosphere created an opportunity for people we support to connect and take time for themselves in a calm and welcoming environment.

Our short breaks service also led an inclusive Pilates session, including chair-based options, as well as a relaxed BBQ focused on bringing people together through food, music and social connection.

For us, action for mental health is not a single campaign or conversation. It is an ongoing commitment to listening, learning and continuing to develop support that reflects the realities of people’s lives and experiences.

We would like to thank our teams and the people we support for continuing to create environments where people feel safe to talk, connect and support one another.