It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme for this year is action, action for yourself, action for someone else and action for all of us.
Mental Health Foundation has chosen action for this year’s theme as real change comes when we take action, and we’re supporting them by taking action and raising awareness.
Action is an extension of awareness. When people find out more about mental health, when early signs of problems are recognised in themselves or others and when support available is highlighted, action is already being taken. When more people take action, individuals are paving the way for a society which prioritises good mental health.
This year’s theme is an invitation for all of us to take that next step. Your action can be something you do for yourself, for someone else, or for all of us.
At Plymouth Community Homes (PCH), we’re here to support our residents, and are connected to a number of local support services who can support you with your mental health if you require additional support, including Livewell Southwest.
Sarah, our Wellbeing Officer provides tailored health and wellbeing support to residents. As well as offering practical support for up to a 12-week period, they provide help with accessing services, assisting our residents to work towards health and wellbeing goals and help reduce social isolation within our communities. You can access support from Sarah by contacting the Health and Housing team healthandhousing@pch.co.uk.
Our employees and their immediate family also have access to an Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, 365 days a year.
More information about the support available can be found at the bottom of this page.
Another way PCH is taking action and increasing awareness about mental health is through our support for Andy’s Man Club as our charity of the year for 2026/2027. Andy’s Man Club is a men’s suicide-prevention charity, which helps end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, and throughout the year we’ll be organising a number of fundraising activities to raise funds to allow them to carry out their work supporting men’s mental health.
What can you do to boost mental health?
Even though it may be difficult, and motivation at times may be low, we still have the power to take action to boost our wellbeing. Mental Health Foundation have shared a number of tips to try, ranging from quick wins to advice on developing long-term health habits.
There are many mood-boosting actions that should fit into your weekly routine, however we are aware that these actions may feel easier for some more than others. They have shared five suggestions for adding a quick mental health boost to your daily routine, which include: spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, living a health lifestyle, getting creative and relaxing. Find out more about this here.
Accessing support
If you’re struggling with your mental health you can call Livewell’s First Response service via NHS 111 (select the mental health option) for advice, support and signposting from one of their mental health professionals. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to anyone in Plymouth experiencing a mental health crisis. You can also refer to their Plymouth Options service, for people aged 16+ in Plymouth. Find out more here.
If you’re in Plymouth, more information about support available can be found on the Plymouth City Council website.
If you’re in Cornwall, more information about support available can be found on the Cornwall Council website.
If you’re in West Devon, more information about support available can be found on the West Devon Borough Council website.
If you’re in the South Hams, more information about support available can be found on the South Hams District Council website.
A directory of local, regional and national support services can also be found here.
If you’re struggling to find the money to cover your rent or bills, the most important thing is to let us know. We have dedicated staff who are waiting to help you and can assist with information and support about claiming benefits, recommend local charities and offer helpful advice on financial matters. There are also many companies providing hardship grants to support with utilities during the cost of living crisis. Find out more here.
