
World Mental Health Day falls on the 10th October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.
The theme for 2021 is:
Mental Health in an Unequal World
This theme, chosen for 2021, will highlight that access to mental health services remains unequal, with between 75% to 95% of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries unable to access mental health services at all, and access in high income countries is not much better. Lack of investment in mental health disproportionate to the overall health budget contributes to the mental health treatment gap.
Many people with a mental illness do not receive the treatment that they are entitled to and deserve and together with their families and carers continue to experience stigma and discrimination. The gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ grows ever wider and there is continuing unmet need in the care of people with a mental health problem.
More information:
- World Federation for Mental Health. Includes detailed report on this year's themes.
- World Health Organization. Information on campaign materials, online events and resources to support mental health available on their website.
- Mental Health Foundation. Information and resources on the themes of World Mental Health Day.
- Mind. Information and resources to show support for better mental health, and to start looking after your own wellbeing.
- Kings Fund: Our work on mental health and mental health services. Publications and reports on mental health services in the UK.
Click on a heading below to find out about resources to support anyone in Leeds experiencing difficulties with their mental health, including what to do in a mental health emergency.
MindWell
MindWell is the single 'go to' place for information about mental health in Leeds.
It provides a portal for anyone living or working in Leeds, including GPs and other professionals, to get quick and easy access to up-to-date mental health information, including:
- Clear, accurate information about support and services available in Leeds.
- Information about a range of common mental health problems such as anxiety and stress.
- Self-help tools and information including downloadable resources
- Help for what to do in a "crisis" or mental health emergency
MindMate
MindMate, a website which provides mental health and emotional wellbeing advice and information, to chidren and young people across Leeds. The website also provides information for parents/carers who work with children and young people.
You can view a collection of short stories about feelings from young people in Leeds, by visiting the "Real Stories" page on the MindMate website.
Crisis Cards
These credit card sized leaflets contain details for services including housing, debt and bereavement, as well as emotional support.
These cards were developed with local men's groups. These cards aim to be discreet and non-stigmatising. They encourage people who feel low to seek support from local services that relate to the risk-factors for suicide.
Crisis Cards can be obtained from the Public Health Resource Centre.
Reading Well Books on Prescription
Reading Well Books on Prescription helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using self-help reading. The scheme is endorsed by health professionals and supported by public libraries.
The Books on Prescription collections are available to borrow from public libraries, NHS Libraries and the Public Health Resource Centre.
Further information about Books on Prescription can be found at https://reading-well.org.uk/
How are you feeling?
A short booklet with information about Mental Health Services in Leeds.
Leeds Libraries for Health has a range of books available on mental health.
If you would like to borrow a book please contact your local library.

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You may also be interested in the following useful links:
- Advonet (MH advocacy)
- Arts and Minds Network
- Age UK Leeds
- Black Health Initiative
- Carers Leeds
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (useful resources for parents and carers)
- Community Links
- Five Areas
- Inkwell
- Leeds Bereavement Forum
- Leeds Crisis Card
- Leeds Jewish Welfare Board
- Leeds Mind
- Leeds Suicide Bereavement Service
- Leeds Survivor Led-Crisis Service
- Mental Health at Work
- Mindful Employer Leeds Network
- Oblong (Headspace, Getting Back on Top)
- Paranoid Thoughts
- Self-Help Leaflets (NHS Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust)
- Solace (Mental Health for asylum seekers, refugees)
- St Annes (Mental Health for homeless)
- The Mental Elf
- Touchstone