Brew Monday took place on Monday 16 January; it's a day dedicated to catching up with a family member or friend and asking, "Are you #AlrightPal?" Talking about your feelings can help lighten the load and remind us that we're not alone.
Poor mental health can affect anyone at any time of year, so we're partnering with Barnsley FC to encourage everyone to keep talking to one another in support of Brew Monday and beyond.
The Reds host Accrington Stanley this Saturday, and some players have shared with us how they take care of their mental health and help others to do the same ahead of the game.
In addition, AlrightPal materials signposting to support services will be available around the club shop, while the players will warm up in AlrightPal t-shirts to help spread the important message that we can all support each other by starting the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention.
Brew Monday aims to raise awareness of the impact speaking to others can have on mental health. Starting a conversation helps break the stigma and lets people know they aren't alone in how they feel.
Councillor Caroline Makinson, Cabinet spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: "We're seeing a change in attitude towards mental health, but there is still plenty of work to do.
"In Barnsley, we want our residents to be able to access the right support at the right time for any problems they may face, allowing them to live a happy and healthy life.
"Just as we all have physical health, we have mental health too, and it's equally important to look after it. It can't be emphasized enough that no matter how you're feeling, there's always a way forward, even if it doesn't feel that way right now. Support services are on hand to help anyone that may be struggling.
"I would also like to thank Barnsley FC for supporting this important campaign."
As a council, we remain fully supportive of the zero-suicide ambition that the Barnsley Mental Health Partnership committed to in 2021. The zero is not a target but rather a challenge for us to consider and a signal from us that suicide is not inevitable or unavoidable for any of our residents.
For more information about the support available to help those struggling with their mental health, please visit barnsley.gov.uk/AlrightPal.
