Devon County Council urges residents to ‘find ways to boost your wellbeing’

Communities across West Devon and Dartmoor are coming together this Friday, 10 October, to mark World Mental Health Day with events designed to boost wellbeing and open up conversations around mental health.

At Tavistock College, students and staff are dedicating the week to mental health under the national #HelloYellow campaign, which encourages young people to talk openly about how they feel and to support one another.

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Principal James Buchanan said: “We are dedicating our tutor activities for the week and specifically on 10 October to mental health. We have delivered assemblies on positive wellbeing, are working with our Sixth Form student team to provide additional pastoral support as well as running a Focus week stand in our concourse during break and lunchtime with the #HelloYellow tagline, providing resources and signposting information. We have also recently updated our Positive Mental Health policy and staff have undergone training with the Mental Health Support Team this week.”

The college’s activities are part of a wider commitment to supporting students’ wellbeing throughout the school year, with staff training and updated policies aimed at providing early help and clear routes to support.

Across Devon, many organisations continue to build on their previous awareness events by focusing on sustained support throughout the year.

Devon Mind, for example, has developed a series of ongoing wellbeing sessions and workplace programmes following the success of its past World Mental Health Day campaigns. 

The charity continues to run local training and awareness sessions, including a workshop in Tavistock earlier this autumn on trauma, self-care and recovery.

Community interest group Recovery Devon also maintains its year-round mission to promote recovery through shared experience and creativity. 

While its annual Celebration Day in Exeter has previously marked World Mental Health Day, the group now places greater emphasis on local collaborations, storytelling projects and peer-support initiatives throughout the calendar year.

Meanwhile, the Devon Wellbeing Hub continues to offer confidential support to key workers and NHS staff across the county, work that began as part of earlier World Mental Health Day activity and now forms a core part of Devon’s ongoing wellbeing infrastructure.

Devon County Council has also shared advice as part of its Supporting Mental Wellbeing Across Devon campaign, encouraging residents to use the day to explore practical steps to boost mental health and take advantage of the county’s natural and community assets.

A statement from Devon County Council read: “World Mental Health Day is on 10th October. Find ways to boost your mental wellbeing while also making the most of all the great opportunities Devon has to offer. The five ways to well-being are small simple steps you can take to help build resilience, feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. They’re also all good for the planet!”

The council highlights the “Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Learn, Give, and Notice” as everyday actions that can help strengthen resilience and mental health.

Under ‘Connect’, residents are encouraged to “build a sense of belonging and share positive experiences,” whether that’s by attending a local repair café, joining a community group, or simply chatting with others who care about nature.

‘Be Active’ emphasises being outdoors in Devon’s coast, moors, and woodlands not only support your physical fitness but also “boost your mood” and reduce stress. 

‘Learn’ highlights opportunities to gain new skills and improve confidence, including resources from Devon Climate Emergency on sustainable living. 

‘Give’ focuses on volunteering as a route to connection and purpose, with Devon Connect listing local opportunities for residents to get involved in community projects.

Finally, ‘Notice’ encourages mindfulness and time in nature, with the council suggesting that “spending time outdoors and noticing seasonal changes can improve wellbeing and help manage feelings such as climate anxiety.”