The importance of kindness this Mental Health Awareness Week

Virgin Media is proud to be supporting Mental Health Awareness (18-24 May) and we’re getting behind this year’s theme; kindness.

Acts of kindness have never been more important as we have to intentionally distance ourselves from those we love and give up some of the little joys and connections that help us through the day.

Being kind – whether that’s to yourself or to others - has the power to keep us connected, together and positive, even in these challenging times.

Whether that’s taking some time for yourself to take a breath and to reflect, doing something you enjoy like chilling out with a box set or a book, or checking in with a friend, it’s the small things that can make a big difference to mental wellbeing.

Capturing kindness

We’ve teamed up with renowned photographer, James Hole, for a special portrait photography project featuring a range of people, such as our engineers, Adam and Kieran, our Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Dodds, as well as a host of famous names including Sir Mo Farah, TV presenter, Laura Whitmore and players from Southampton FC.

The striking images – influenced by James’ lockdown series Pause, Consider, Act have been individually shot in the people’s homes with James providing art direction via video calling apps.

As part of the project, we’ve interviewed everyone featured to get their personal experiences of life in lockdown, how they are keeping connected to the people and things that matter to them and what kindness means to them.

You can read the interviews here, and we’ll be sharing the images via our social channels throughout the week.

Building connections that really matter

We’re also marking Mental Health Awareness with our 12,000 employees.

We have a range of activity planned to encourage discussions around mental health and how it’s ok to speak up if you need help. This includes a podcast, a virtual panel discussion, and sharing news stories across our Intranet.

Plus, we’ll be signposting our people to a wide range of tools and resources, including tips for emotional wellness, and access to a free mental health support phone line.

Although we remain separated from our colleagues, friends and families, by embracing kindness, we can keep our sense of togetherness and community, and ensure we get the right help and support if we need it.

If you would like to find out more information about Mental Health Awareness Week click here or if you’d like some help, please visit the Samaritans, Mind or Shout websites.