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Mental Health Awareness Week

This week at East Surrey College we are taking part in #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. At a time where many of us are feeling lonely or disconnected, it is important to reflect on our own mental wellbeing and how we can improve it.

This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is Kindness.

Kindness is something you can convey to others, as well as being kind to yourself, whether it’s making someone a cup of tea or taking a chance to reflect on your feelings and do something that makes you happy.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus, we have seen kindness from all angles to look after one another, from raising money for the NHS to helping our neighbours with the weekly shop. We have focused so much on being kind to others that sometimes we forget to think about what we can do for ourselves.

With this in mind, we would love to spread the word on what we all individually can do to look after our own mental health. Whether your happy place is in the kitchen baking, learning a new dance on TikTok or even video chatting with your friends, we would love to see how you are looking after yourselves during the pandemic.

Below are images from staff at East Surrey College, featuring the different activities they get involved in to be kind to themselves. If you are inspired by their ideas or would like to share your own methods of self-care, we would love for you to get involved!

To take part in our #BeKindToYou project, post your photos and videos to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag us

Facebook: East Surrey College
Instagram: @eastsurreycollege
Twitter: @EastSurreyColl

Use the hashtag #BeKindToYou so that we can share your kindness techniques with those who may be struggling and looking for some tips in these difficult times.

Are you worried about your own mental health?

Our Student Support team are working remotely and can offer advice and guidance with whatever it is you're dealing with. Speak to your tutor via email or Microsoft Teams, or email safeguardingofficer@esc.ac.uk.

There are many other ways to get the support you need:

Relate Mid Surrey Counselling Services
Please call or email one of the centres, whichever is nearest to you:
Epsom - 01372 722976 epsomadmin@relate-mid-surrey.co.uk
Reigate - 01737 245212 admin@relate-mid-surrey.co.uk
Relate will aim to offer you a webcam counselling session via Zoom. If you are an existing client of Relate please let the receptionist know which College you are at and the name of your therapist.

Kooth
Kooth provides free, safe, and anonymous online support for young people. Visit kooth.com for more information.