For yourself, and for your loved ones, make sure you’re in the know when it comes to mental health rights

Getting help for mental health problems can be daunting, but knowing what rights we are all entitled to lays a good foundation from which to take those first steps forwards.

There is some variation to the specifics in different countries in the UK, so it’s always a good idea to seek advice for your particular case – but, here, we’ve created a quick, simple guide to mental health rights, so you can become an advocate for yourself and for the people around you.

At work

All employers have a duty of care for their staff, which means that they must do all that is reasonably possible to support staff’s health, safety, and wellbeing. Legally, there’s no difference between a sick day taken for mental or physical health, and you can take ‘mental health days’ when you need them – you’ll just have to follow your company’s usual process for taking the day off sick.

Beyond that, a mental health problem may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a ‘substantial adverse effect’ on the individual’s life, is expected to last at least 12 months, or affects their ability to do day-to-day activities. If this is the case, the employer must not discriminate against the employee because of their disability, and they must also make ‘reasonable adjustments’. These adjustments might include flexible hours to allow for appointments with GPs and mental health professionals, support withworking practices and workload, and training.

For more information, visit acas.org.uk. Additionally, joining a union means you have someone in your corner, who can advise you on your specific case as and when needed – to find a union for you, visit tuc.org.uk/joinunion

Under-18s

Children and young people under the age of 18 have many of the same rights as adults, although there are some differences to be aware of.

While a young person is in education, if they have a disability or school is difficult because of their mental health, they have the right to access extra support, which might include things like: a safe, quiet place to go at lunch or in between lessons; extra help from a member of staff; and extra time on exams.

Under-18s also have the right to be involved in decisions made about them, such as the kind of treatment and support they will get, who should be involved, and the kind of support that they will get from schools.

Lawstuff.org.uk offers free legal information to children and young people in England, and childline.org.uk can also provide general information about rights.

With your GP

When you go to see your GP about your mental health, you have all the same rights to patient confidentiality that you would do during an appointment about your physical health.

With some exceptions (such as, for example, when you need emergency treatment, have been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, or are a serving member of the armed forces), you have the legal right to choose which mental health provider you go to in England.

The NHS must also respect your human rights, and you can find out more about mental health and human right

Can you keep personal treasures without allowing clutter to take over your home? We explain more about how you can collect memories, not things

We all have little mementoes that remind us of our lives and shared experiences. Perhaps you collect little trinkets from past holidays, or keep a box full of tickets from shows you have been to with loved ones, to little gifts brought back to show that we were in a friend’s thoughts while they were travelling. From fridge magnets to an array of cuddly toys and souvenirs, it can be easy to get caught up in keeping items from our past to act as physical reminders of some of our happiest memories.

But why do we become attached to so many little things that others may consider ‘junk’, is that attachment always a bad thing, and what can we do if we’re worried our collecting of things is getting out of hand? We explain more about how you can collect memories, not things.

Why do we collect things?

According to the Royal Mint, an overwhelming four in five (83%) of us have collected something during our lifetime, with just over half of us (57%) currently keeping a collection.

The reasons why we collect things vary from person to person. Some people may start collections as a way of enjoying themselves, expressing how much they like to be part of a certain hobby, or even as a status symbol. Many collectors have a passion or love for the things that they collect. Others may slowly grow their collection, adding a new item to celebrate or signify major life events. While for others, their collections may create a sense of comfort, reminding them of where items were bought, who they were with at the time, happy memories around travel or spending time with loved ones.

We may link these items within our collections with people, places, or events, entwining those positive memories with the physical items we have kept - whether that item is something big or small, expensive or cheap. In essence, our collections can become almost a physical representation of our lives: what we have done, who we have spent time with, and where we have travelled.

Collect memories, not things: What does collecting memories mean?

The idea behind collecting moments instead of things is that we should focus on how our memories connect us with others, rather than physical objects. When we focus on collecting moments, we return our focus on creating shared experiences with others. That could be with a partner, family, friends, or even now people you’ve never met before.

By focusing on how we feel in the moment and the activities and events we share, we can create more meaningful connections and memories together. Through finding different ways of recording these memories, we can enjoy and even share them for years to come.

Why do people collect memories?

Collecting memories over things can be beneficial for both us, and those we love. Gathering our memories can help us to better learn and reflect on ourselves, the world around us, our place in it, and those around us. Finding a way to collect your memories can help you to better understand what you have learned,

From a lesson in upcycling to a botanical winter walk, and a podcast about the latest films, try something new with our enriching suggestions

1. Page-turners

Chatter: The Voice in Our Head (and How to Harness It) by Ethan Kross

We often have a tendency to be our own worst critic, with negative self-talk sending us into a spiral of self-doubt. But how do we harness this and take back control? Award-winning neuroscientist and psychologist Ethan Kross provides us with the tools needed to befriend our inner voice, and turn it into something more productive.

(Out now, £10.99)

2. Out and about

Visit a botanical winter garden

With the winter season upon us, there is no more magical a time to visit a botanical garden. Take a brisk walk through the gardens, and explore the seasonal plants and wildlife. It’s a wonderful place to learn about nature and embrace the wonders of winter, all while reaping the wellbeing benefits of the outdoors.

(Search for botanical winter gardens in your your local area)

3. Act of kindness

Help an elderly person stay warm this winter

It’s no secret that we will all be looking for inventive ways to keep ourselves warm this winter amid the cost of living crisis and cutting back on heating bills, but it’s especially important to help elderly individuals in any way we can. If you know someone that will struggle this winter, you could donate a blanket or hot water bottle, or invite them over to warm up at your place and have a nice catch-up.

4. Lend us your ears

‘10/10 (Would Recommend)’

Are you having trouble deciding what to watch on TV? Hosts and best-friend duo Gena-mour Barrett, who works for Netflix, and Tolani Shoneye discuss the latest must-see films and guest recommendations to help you beat indecisiveness on your cosy night in.

(Available on all podcast platforms)

5. Plugged-In

Dan Nguyen

Travelling around the world is something many of us dream of doing, but how much better would it be to bring your pet along for the ride? Lawyer Dan Nguyen went viral on Instagram after documenting his heart-warming travels across the globe with not one, but three cats. Follow their daily adventures if you need to put a smile on your face.

(Follow @spongecakethescottishfold on Instagram)

6. Lesson Learned

Upcycle with Lego

Do you have a broken piece of furniture that you’re going to throw away? Maybe you have some Lego lying around, that your children played with once and never again? Get creative and use Lego to repair your broken household items, and be part of the revolutionary growth of upcycling.

(Visit