Better Mental Health
Mental health is a topic we are all becoming more aware of; but why is it important, and where can you go for help improving your mental health?
According to The Mental Health Foundation “Our mental health is at least as important as our physical health. It strongly affects our daily lives – how they feel to us, as well as our ability do the things we need and want to, including work, study, getting on with people and looking after ourselves and others.”
Mental health problems are common
- 1 in 4 people in England will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year.
- 1 in 6 people experience a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week.
- 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts, 1 in 14 people self-harm and 1 in 15 people attempt suicide.
Statistics taken from the Mental Health Foundation website.

There are many lifestyle factors that contribute to poor mental health such as work/life balance and stress that can eventually lead to further mental health problems. Studies have shown that some mental health conditions can be genetic, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone and help is always available.
This article lists a wide range of resources to help you improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Health and Wellbeing
Tips and ideas covering the key areas of health and wellbeing to help you manage your mental health and feel your best self. From Mental Health UK.
Tips for Better Mental Health
Many of us can have a bad mental health period in their life, but it’s how we respond to it and take care of our mental health that’s important. Here are some tips for better mental health from the NHS’s guide – 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing.
See the 5 steps to mental wellbeing article on the NHS website >
The Joy of Giving Back
One way to improve your mental health is by volunteering your time, money, or energy. Studies indicate that the very act of giving back to the community boosts your happiness, health, and sense of well-being. Embracing the spirit of giving back serves as a potent tool for self-improvement, creating a cycle of goodwill that positively influences society.

Identifying Feelings
Trying to identify our feelings may help us understand why we feel we need help. The Feeling Wheel, designed by Gloria Willcox, is a proven visual aid that helps people recognize, talk about, and change their feelings. This may be useful in coming to terms with your feelings, and help you to talk about your mental health, when you are ready to.
Where to go for help
At JGA we can connect you to our associates at Support Connect and Genius Within, two organisations we work closely with who can offer our apprentices support in many aspects of learning, Mental Health and Wellbeing. Your Learner Progress Advisor can put you in touch with these organisations.
There are many other established sources offering help and guidance for mental wellbeing – see our links below to just a few of those sources available:
- Mental health services from the NHS
- Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope
- Samaritans
- Mind
- Shout – Mental Health At Work
- YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) (thecalmzone.net)
- Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide
- BetterHelp – Find Affordable, Convenient Online Counselling
View a PDF of additional support sites below. It includes mental health, neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ contacts.
Helpful Apps and Sites:
There are plenty of apps you can download to help with your mental health and personal and professional wellbeing.