April 2021 marks Stress Awareness Month, which has been held in the UK since 1992, to highlight both the causes and cures of stress. The Stress Management Society recently found that 65% of adults in the UK have felt more stressed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in March last year. Therefore, this year’s theme for Stress Awareness Month is ‘Regaining Connectivity, Certainty and Control’.

The Covid Wellbeing NI hub, a mental health resource led by Northern Ireland’s leading mental health charities, has been accessed by over 52,000 people. Launched in June 2020 by the Department of Communities in partnership with the Department of Health, Public Health Agency and 16 mental health charities, the online resource has provided advice to people through the pandemic and encourages people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing.

From 29th March to 4th April, we are sharing information and guidance from Addiction NI on Gambling Awareness and support. Gambling can affect any one of us. What starts as harmless fun and a much-needed distraction, in this current time, can soon become an unhealthy need, which can lead to serious consequences.