Mental Health Awareness Month
Attend Our May Virtual Events
April 30, 2021
The 2001 World Health Report found that one in four people globally is affected by mental health concerns at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization reports that two-thirds of people who experience mental health issues never seek professional support—and that stigmatization, discrimination and neglect prevent those who need it from accessing care and treatment.
Given the need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and increase global awareness about it, movements like Mental Health Awareness Month are now a regular fixture. As movements and campaigns such as Mental Health Awareness Week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation are now regularly falling in May, Mental Health Awareness Month observation has become a global initiative.
All Hands and Hearts is joining the movement to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing.
During the first two weeks of May, we will be hosting virtual events facilitated by our community members. Events will focus on fighting the stigma around mental health and providing a platform for people to share their stories and any resources they may have found helpful in their journey.
Our goal is to instill a sense of acceptance and inclusion in our community, recognizing it’s okay to not be okay and anyone affected by mental health concerns should be seen, listened to, and given access to the appropriate support.
We would love to see members of our community at these sessions—which are open not only to our All Hands and Hearts family but to anyone who might be interested in mental wellbeing. You can read more about each event and register at the links below, or stay tuned on social media channels.
May 1 – 15 | Virtual Stretch circle | Join other alumni for a morning stretch together every day at 11AM EST
May 2 | How Mental Health Impacts Members of the LGBTQIAP+ Community | Discussion group 3PM EST
May 4 | Color to Heal | Artwork, creativity and relaxation activity 1PM EST
May 5 | Writing as Therapy | Q&A session 2PM EST
May 6 |Body Positivity | Discussion group 10:30AM EST
May 6 | Let’s Talk About Loss: Bereavement Support | Discussion group 12PM EST
May 7 | Psychological First Aid | Workshop 10AM EST
May 7 | Looking After Your Mental Wellbeing as a Parent or Guardian | Q&A session 12PM EST
May 10 | Mental Health & COVID-19 | Q&A session 2-3PM EST
May 11 | Wellbeing at work | Workshop 12PM EST
May 12 | Supporting Men’s Mental Health | Discussion group 3PM EST
May 13 | The Power of Positivity & Gratitude | Workshop 12PM EST
May 14 | How Mental Health Impacts Members of the BIPOC and AAPI Communities | Discussion group 12PM EST
WHAT IS AHAH DOING TO SUPPORT THEIR EMPLOYEES’ MENTAL HEALTH?
Destigmatizing mental health and increasing access to resources should be more than an annual consideration. Over the past year, we have consulted with mental health experts and partner organizations to ensure that the mental wellbeing of our volunteers and staff is a top priority year-round.
As an organization committed to effectively and efficiently addressing the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by disasters, we understand the work undertaken by our volunteers and staff on the ground can be demanding. Rebuilding schools and homes are full of its own rewards, but we encourage our on-program teams, as well as our staff who remotely support our global operations, not to compromise their mental health by ignoring or pushing limits.
To support the wellbeing of our teams, a confidential tele-counseling service is available through our insurance provider On Call International. Volunteers and staff members can connect to the helpline 24 hours a day for direct emotional wellbeing support and have access to up to three counseling sessions per issue each year.
Recently we gained support from the International Fellowship of Chaplains (IFOC). They provide secular, practical community support to All Hands and Hearts personnel by meeting their needs, regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status or socioeconomic status. Trained and licensed Chaplains offer counsel, education, advocacy, and life improvement skills to support those serving communities impacted by disasters.
As we continue to provide support for on-program global teams, our Mental Health Working Group, Special Projects Manager and Chief of People Development are actively working on strategies that focus on the types of support we can offer our remote employees.
Interested in joining our work? We have recently opened applications for a Director of Wellbeing, who will serve as our champion for wellbeing, facilitating momentum across the organization to promote and prioritize this state of happiness. This position will train and support teams across the world and act as a point of escalation for mental health crises.
We would welcome applications from our community who have a background in psychology and primary mental health care services. If you or someone you know meets the job description, we would love to hear from you or them!
To learn more about All Hands and Hearts, visit allhandsandhearts.org
