The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has chosen body image as the theme for its Mental Health Awareness Week this year.

Taking place from 13 to 19 May 2019, the event will explore how people think and feel about their bodies – with a focus on mental fitness and wellbeing.

"Body image issues can affect all of us at any age," the MHF said in a statement.

"During the week we will be publishing new research, considering some of the reasons why our body image can impact the way that we feel, campaigning for change and publishing practical tools.

"Since our first Mental Health Awareness Week in 2001, we’ve raised awareness of topics like stress, relationships, loneliness, altruism, sleep, alcohol and friendship.

"With this year's topic, we want to reach more people than ever."

Founded in 1949, the MHF is a charity campaigning for "everyone’s mental health".

With prevention at the heart of its operations, the organisation carries out research, develops and implements programmes and interventions, provides tools and resources for the population and campaigns for political and societal change.

• A talking point feature on mental health first aid will be published in the May issue of HCM magazine.

The article features a number of mental health and industry experts offering their views on how fitness operators can better reach out to people – both gym members and staff – with mental health issues and ensure companies are equipped to help manage or even overcome them.

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