World Mental Health Day 2025

Next week (from October 7 – October 10, 2025), our Activity & Rehabilitation Centre will host our first Mindfulness Week, a series of activities offering our service users and carers the opportunity to explore a variety of wellbeing practices.

Mindfulness and wellbeing practices can help support mental health, help people feel calmer and self-aware and more connected to others.

Events include: mindfulness colouring and calm music, gratitude stones, seated yoga, mindfulness art, movement, positive memory creative conversation and a scripted mindfulness session.

For our carers

As part of our celebrations, we are honoured that our chair, Jane Balinski will be joining our carer’s afternoon on the 14 October to share her own personal experiences of caring for her husband, Konrad and how she looked after her mental health during this time.

Jane will reflect on:

• The changes she and her family had to come to terms with
• How they navigated their toughest challenges
• The adjustments in their way of life that have brought new joy

Her story promises to offer encouragement and inspiration.

Celebrating World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is a global awareness day held every year, providing an opportunity to talk openly about mental health and to encourage supportive conversations.

We are proud to be part of this important movement, as we offer wellbeing support to people living with brain injury and their families across Oxfordshire.

Brain injury and mental health

Living with a brain injury can have an impact on mental health in different ways. This might be physical or biological as the structure of the brain may have been altered or resulted in a chemical imbalance. Or it could be emotional as individuals and family members adjust to life changes after injury.

Addressing mental health after brain injury can help rebuild resilience and quality of life. Caring for caregivers is just as important, as the impact can be overwhelming, from emotional strain and social isolation to physical exhaustion and financial pressure. Supporting carers to maintain their own wellbeing is vital.

By recognising and addressing these challenges for both individuals and their carers, we can create a stronger foundation for recovery, greater connection, and hope.

Signposting

• Samaritans  – Available 24/7 for anyone struggling with their mental health or in emotional distress. Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.

• Mind  – Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing mental health problems. Helpline: 0300 123 3393. www.mind.org.uk.

• Local NHS Mental Health Services – Your GP or local mental health services can provide access to counselling, therapy, or specialist support.

These organisations provide a range of support options, from listening services to practical guidance. More resources are available here.

Reaching out is a first step towards support and recovery.