OCTOBER 2026 · MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

When did enjoying life become something we put off?

Hi Reader,

Welcome to October's newsletter, and thank you for opening and reading. It is always good to hear from those of you who look forward to these monthly updates.

September has been busy: online client sessions, MHFA and refresher training, community wellbeing work, and an evening in Bradford at the Yorkshire Asian Business Association Annual Gala & Awards.

In client conversations, something keeps coming up. Demanding work and the cost of living are leaving people with less room to enjoy themselves. Another bill. Another deadline. Something else that needs doing first.

October brings a chance to think about who we include, how we support each other, and what we do with the time we have.

THIS MONTH'S MAIN ARTICLE

Black History Month: Honouring Our Communities

My mum was part of the Windrush generation. That makes this personal.

We know Sheffield for steel and cutlery. Its connections with slavery and abolition are less familiar. I explore that history alongside the contribution of our communities and the impact racism still has on people's lives and mental health.

How much of this history were we actually taught?

The King and AI: Who Gets the Five Hours Back?

If AI saved you five hours a week, would you use any of them for yourself?

After an FSB course, I started thinking about the gap between saving time and actually having more of it. A cleared diary can quickly become an invitation to fit more in.

Where does the benefit land: better work, a little breathing space, or another five hours of demands?

Workplace health: what could change?

The Government has announced a plan for Britain's first Workplace Health System, combining healthier, more inclusive workplaces with earlier support and better information about what works.

For employees, that could mean help and practical adjustments before a health problem pushes them out of work. For managers, a clearer route to advice when a conversation needs more support.

The model is being developed and tested. I will be watching whether earlier support becomes accessible in everyday workplaces, including smaller businesses.

Ready for the conversation?

You notice someone becoming withdrawn, distracted or unusually short with colleagues. You want to ask, but you are worried about saying the wrong thing.

MHFA training gives you a framework to begin that conversation, listen and signpost, with clear boundaries around your role.

MHFA England: 26–27 October 2026

Live online via Zoom · 09:00–17:00 each day
Four sessions · 14 hours · Up to 16 learners
£365 total per person

Already trained? Refresh your confidence

A four-hour MHFA Refresher offers space to revisit your skills, support routes and boundaries. Private workplace sessions can also be arranged online or in person.

In the community, and a night in Bradford

Through Community Wellness Services, I have also been providing subsidised restorative massage for local people living with long-term conditions and significant mobility limitations. Making support more affordable and accessible remains an important part of my work.

There was time to swap work clothes for a dinner jacket at the Yorkshire Asian Business Association Annual Gala & Awards in Bradford. A good evening celebrating the people and businesses contributing to the region.

Yorkshire Asian Business Association Annual Gala & Awards, Bradford.

What I'm reading, watching and listening to

Reading: Capitalism for All
John Hope Bryant

Finished it, thoroughly enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it. An inspirational read that challenged some of my assumptions about capitalism and who gets the opportunity to succeed. Plenty to think about after the final page.

Watching: The Wargame

Real political figures, military leaders and intelligence experts respond to a simulated Russian attack on UK soil. The scenario is fictional, but what it raises about Britain's defence preparedness is unsettling. It left me wondering how ready we are to protect the people who live here. Compelling viewing, although perhaps not one to help you unwind before bed.

Listening: A Dance, A Kiss
Johnny Gill

If you enjoy your soul music, give this a listen. You may know Johnny Gill from My, My, My. This one is right up there for me: warm vocals, a lovely groove, and exactly the sort of track that gets another play before I move on.

A few dates, and something to look forward to

October brings World Mental Health Day on 10 October and World Menopause Day on 18 October. Both are opportunities to ask what support people can actually access throughout the year.

The clocks go back on 25 October. An extra hour on paper; perhaps a reminder to make some room for rest as the evenings draw in.

Hearing Barack Obama speak has been on my bucket list, so I am looking forward to the Manchester event on 15 October. I am also heading to Gongs by Julia for a little rest and relaxation. A busy diary needs something in it that is simply for you.

SPONSORSHIP · MY EXPERIENCE WITH HUBSPOT

What keeps the business side organised?

People often ask what I use. Acuity Scheduling handles my client bookings, and HubSpot helps me manage contacts, meetings and follow-up tasks, with marketing tools available when I need them.

I have used CRMs for decades and HubSpot for more than ten years. I find it straightforward for everyday use, and I am pleased to have HubSpot sponsoring this edition.

Their free ChatGPT prompt guide connects with this month's question about making better use of our time.