Until recently, mental health has been a topic that has remained slightly taboo. With that being said, people still find it hard to talk about their mental health, admit they’re struggling or need help. As a society, we need to eliminate the feelings of failure associated with mental health struggles and the daily battle of living with it.

It’s important to New World that we create a culture that not only offers support for those battling mental health but also allows for comfortable and accessible conversation to all those who feel they need to talk - whether for themselves or someone else. Encouraging conversation and education in this area to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness. 

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 - and beyond - New World wanted to promote conversation and shed more light on some of the unknown mental health issues, their symptoms and how you can seek help if you need it. For New World, the idea behind the week was to encourage long term conversations about mental health and let everyone at New World know that it's not a topic we shy away from but something we take seriously.

The aim of MHAW 2019 was to raise awareness of all different types of issues related to, or caused by mental health and we also wanted to engage our teams to have fun and learn about some of these issues - whilst promoting ongoing conversations about mental health between them. Through our 'Mental Health Blasts', our teams shared stories and TRIBES competitions - whilst engagement and awareness were key throughout the entirety of the New World. This inspired the launch of Lightminds!

Lightminds is the NWTC internal Mental Health Committee available to help and support New World staff by creating a safe, judgment-free space to talk and encourage conversation. The power of the mind is incredible and mental illness should never be brushed aside or discredited, by yourself or others. In light of Mental Health Awareness Week 2019, New World wants to ensure that we're doing all we can to support those who are suffering from mental health, as well as any issues that our members are dealing with.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to speak up and speak out. Let’s encourage a stronger, more aware society together!