Mental Health Doesn’t Take a Day Off – and Neither Should We

I’ve always found October to be a reflective month. The light shifts, the pace changes, and somewhere between the back-to-school buzz and the early Christmas chatter, we’re reminded to pause. World Mental Health Day, on 10 October, is one of those moments. But this year, the message from Mind is clear: mental health doesn’t take a day off. And neither should our commitment to it.

A Personal Perspective

I’ve had days where everything felt too much. And days where nothing felt like enough. I’ve seen colleagues, friends, and family navigate the quiet weight of anxiety and the fog of burnout. Mental health isn’t something that happens in isolation. It’s woven into our work, our relationships, our sense of self.

For me, mental health is about permission. Permission to say “I’m not okay.” Permission to ask for help. Permission to rest, to reset, to be human. And it’s about presence - being there for others, even when we don’t have the perfect words.

What Advance Does to Support Mental Health

At Advance, we don’t just talk about wellbeing, we build it into the way we work. From our informal Coffee Break sessions with the Team, to our collaborative culture, we’ve created space for connection. We encourage open conversations, celebrate vulnerability, and support each other through the highs and lows.

Our leadership team understands that productivity isn’t just about output, it’s about trust, empathy, and psychological safety. Whether it’s through flexible working, or simply checking in, we aim to be the kind of organisation where people feel seen.

We recognise that mental health is not a one-size-fits-all and we remain flexible and committed to adapting our support to meet individual needs. It’s a journey, and we’re here to walk it together.

Join the Conversation

This World Mental Health Day, I invite you to reflect. Not just on your own wellbeing, but on how we show up for each other. Let’s make mental health an everyday priority, not just a calendar event.

If you’re part of the Advance community, share your story. If you’re reading this from outside our walls, know that you’re not alone. And if you’re struggling, please reach out - to a friend, a colleague, or a professional. Because no mind should be left behind.