It’s Stress Awareness Month in April and this year the theme is ‘little by little, a little becomes a lot’. The idea is that small, consistent actions each day contribute to our overall wellbeing and wellness. It's essential to prioritise self-care and incorporate activities that help reduce stress into our daily routines. Whether it's going for a walk, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, or simply taking a few deep breaths, these small actions can have a significant impact on our mental health.

Recognising when stress becomes overwhelming is equally important. Seeking support from friends, family, or external resources and organisations can provide valuable assistance during challenging times. It's okay to ask for help when needed, and reaching out can be the first step towards feeling better.

Our Staff Wellbeing Hub has lots of support and resources to help you. Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is here to help if you’re feeling anxious or stressed, worried about your physical health or suffering from low mood. Your immediate family members can access support as well.

If you are in crisis now please seek help, you are not alone and there is help available. 

Upcoming events

• Work / Life Balance webinar on Wednesday 17 April from 2pm-3pm. Book via the OD event calendar.  
• Stress Awareness Month – How to look after your wellbeing webinar on Thursday 18 April 12.30pm-1.15pm. Book via the OD event calendar.  
• Menopause Café – All are welcome to join us at The Meeting House on Tuesday 16 April 12 midday–1pm. Book via the OD event calender
• Keep an eye out for ‘Exploring Wellbeing Support at Sussex and Beyond’ webinar - date to be announced soon.
  
  

Resources available on the Staff Wellbeing Hub

Stress risk assessments and information

• HSE Stress Risk Assessment 
• Work-related Stress Guidance and Stress Risk Assessment
• Stress Bucket Template
• How to manage and reduce stress
  
  

Wellness Action Plans

These plans are a personalised, practical tool we can all use – whether we have a mental health problem or not – to help us identify what keeps us well at work, what causes us to become unwell, and how to address a mental health problem at work should you be experiencing one:

• MIND General Guide to Wellness Action Plans
• MIND Wellness Action Plan Guide for Managers
• MIND Wellness Action Plan Guide for Employees

There are further mental health guides available on the Staff Hub. And if you are a line manager there are additional resources in our Guidance for Managers section to help you support your team.

The Stress Management Society also has lots of free resources and online workshops with tips to support you personally and at work to help empower you, enhance your productivity and brighten your day. 

Back to news list