We all have mental health and good mental well-being is more than just the absence of a mental health problem. This MHAW aims to shift the conversation from mental illness to why so few people are thriving with good mental health.
On Saturday, I had the privilege of taking part in the 'Walking out of Darkness' event, a 10-mile walk founded by Clasp Charity to help raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. This well-attended event was supported by the work of the West Midlands Combined Authority Mental Health Commission and many great local organisations.
We heard from the likes of Clarke Carlisle, a former professional footballer and Steven Gilbert, a living experience consultant who shared their own personal experiences of mental illness and recovery.
I also had the honour of meeting Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn from the 'Find Mike' campaign, who expressed the importance of talking about how you feel.
The day encouraged many conversations around mental health promotion and mental illness prevention, a great start in the run-up to MHAW 17.
I look forward to many more conversations happening this week as we move from Surviving to Thriving.
Interested in educating your workforce on mental health issues? We run informal Corporate Wellness Lunch and Learn sessions and Online Lunch and Learn sessions.