Every year on 10 October, the world marks World Mental Health Day, a reminder that mental wellbeing matters just as much as physical health.
At ACL Essex, we believe learning is more than education. It’s connection. It’s hope. And it starts with one simple step: come talk to us.
We see every day how powerful connection can be. Working alongside GPs, schools, job centres, social prescribing link workers, and local partners, we help ensure that no one feels lost while waiting for support. Whether you’re struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how learning can help, you are not alone.
Real Stories from Essex
“The mental health programme made a massive difference to me,” recalls Delia. “I was able to help the group I was in set up a friendship group so they could keep up the support after they left the programme.”
👉 Read Delia’s full story
“As someone failed by more than one system, I was a high school and college dropout. Later diagnosed with ADHD and ASD, I struggled under traditional education. I want to help prevent more children slipping through the gaps like I did.”
👉 Read Darcy’s full story
“I think the stigma of poor mental health is slowly improving thanks to people like David Beckham and Prince William. But there’s still work to do, especially engaging men. Essex County Council offers free courses across the county, just turn up with an open mind.” – Paul Hocker, ACL Tutor
👉 Meet Paul ACL Tutor
“Working in early years is a challenge, but a great challenge, and it does a lot of good for your mental health.” – ACL Early Years Learner
These are real local stories that show how small steps can change lives.
Why This Matters
According to the Office for National Statistics:
- 6,069 people died by suicide in England and Wales in 2023 that’s 17 people every single day.
- This is the highest suicide rate since 1999.
- Suicide rates for men rose to 17.4 deaths per 100,000, and for women to 5.7 deaths per 100,000, the highest female rate since 1994.
Mental health services across the UK are under strain. Many people wait months for treatment. Some never reach formal diagnosis. That’s why community-based support is so vital, it offers connection, purpose, and hope while people wait for clinical help or as part of ongoing recovery.
What ACL Essex Offers
Through our Wellbeing and Community Learning programmes, we provide free and low-cost courses across Essex that support mental and emotional wellbeing. Many of these can be socially prescribed by your GP or link worker.
Popular courses include:
- Positive Habits for Wellbeing
- Managing Anxiety
- Mental Health in a Man’s World
- Speak Easy: Breathing Techniques
- Healthy Limits: Setting Boundaries
- Resilient You: Overcoming Challenges
- Wellbeing Art
- Procrastination and Time Management
- Stepping Up Your Motivation
- Health and Wellbeing
Explore more: ACL Essex Wellbeing Courses
Working with GPs and Partners
We’re proud to work closely with GP surgeries, link workers, libraries, and community organisations across Essex to make sure learning is part of every wellbeing journey.
When someone is referred to ACL Essex through social prescribing, they’re welcomed into a safe, friendly environment where they can talk, learn, and start to heal, one step at a time.
“I didn’t know where to turn. ACL gave me a reason to get up again.”
Learning doesn’t just build skills, it builds hope, purpose, and belonging.
If You’re Struggling:
You don’t need a diagnosis. You don’t need to wait.
If you feel isolated, anxious, or simply unsure where to start:
- Visit your local ACL Essex centre
- Explore our wellbeing courses
- Ask your GP or social prescribing link worker about ACL Essex
If You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis:
- Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Contact your GP or NHS 111
- Visit your local A&E if you are in danger
This World Mental Health Day, Let’s Make Essex a Place Where No One Feels Alone.
Let’s talk. Let’s connect. Let’s learn. Because you are not alone.
