2.2 Explain how to support an individual in promoting their mental well-being and mental health

This. guide will help you answer2.2 Explain how to support an individual in promoting their mental well-being and mental health.

Mental well-being describes how someone feels day-to-day and how they cope with the ups and downs of life. It means having a sense of purpose, being able to manage stress, and building positive relationships. Mental health, meanwhile, covers both mental well-being and mental illness. It refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social health.

Supporting an individual with their mental well-being and mental health means helping them feel as good as possible about themselves and their life. You help them manage stress, develop confidence, build healthy habits, and connect with others. Your role focuses on working alongside the individual, recognising their strengths, and respecting their choices.

Person-Centred Support

Person-centred support puts the individual at the centre of decisions that affect them. It means listening to what matters to them and how they want to be supported.

Effective support for promoting mental well-being should:

• Look at what makes the individual happy or gives them a sense of achievement
• Honour how they want to be spoken to and supported
• Recognise and respect their routine and preferences
• Support autonomy (giving choices and control)
• Reflect their own values and culture

For example, some people may find comfort in talking about their feelings. Others might prefer practical help with day-to-day tasks or enjoying activities together without discussing emotions. Always ask the individual what helps them.

Building Trust and Relationships

Trust sits at the heart of support work. You build trust by being consistent, reliable, and non-judgemental. A trusting relationship allows the individual to feel safe enough to talk about their feelings or concerns.

Good practice includes:

• Making time to have regular conversations
• Using active listening (paying close attention, nodding, reflecting back what you hear)
• Avoiding judgement or criticism
• Keeping information private unless someone is at risk

When someone trusts you, they are much more likely to share how they truly feel.

Encouraging Open Communication

Open communication lets individuals talk about their mental health without fear of being blamed or judged. Start conversations in a gentle way. Use simple questions such as, “How are you feeling today?” or “Is anything worrying you?” If the individual wants to talk, give them your full attention.

Supporting open communication looks like:

• Listening more than speaking
• Giving people the time to gather their thoughts
• Avoiding rushing to give advice
• Using body language that shows you care (nodding, gentle tone, eye contact if comfortable)
• Checking understanding (asking, “Is that what you mean?”)

Keeping communication simple and patient makes it more likely that the individual will open up when they’re ready.

Reducing Stigma

Stigma means treating mental illness or emotional difficulties as something shameful or embarrassing. This makes people less likely to seek help. Reducing stigma involves normalising conversations about mental health.

You can reduce stigma by:

• Speaking openly about mental health, just as you would about physical health
• Challenging unhelpful attitudes or stereotypes when you hear them
• Using respectful and positive language (for example, saying, “living with depression”, not “suffering from depression”)
• Encouraging the individual to share only what they are comfortable with

This helps people feel more able to talk about their needs and seek support.

Supporting Self-care

Self-care means the simple things people do to take care of their own mental and physical well-being. Self-care is different for everyone. Your role is to support the individual in finding and practising what works for them.

Examples of self-care strategies include:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Keeping active
• Sleeping well
• Taking time to relax
• Engaging in hobbies or enjoyable activities
• Setting goals for the day or week

You may support self-care by helping the person plan their week, reminding them about things that help, or looking for new activities together. Some people may want gentle encouragement; others may prefer support in a practical way, such as going for a walk together.

Building Connections and Social Networks

Strong positive relationships can protect and improve mental health. Social networks mean the people around the individual, including family, friends, colleagues, or community groups.

You can support the individual by:

• Encouraging and supporting contact with family or friends (phone calls, visits, video chats)
• Strengthening connections through group activities or local clubs
• Supporting the individual to attend community activities or peer support groups
• Helping the person to volunteer or learn new skills

It is important to respect the person’s wishes. Not everyone likes group activities. Some people may need support to build confidence before trying something new or meeting others.

Supporting Routine and Structure

Having a daily structure can help some individuals feel in control and less anxious. Simple routines may involve set times for meals, activities, rest, and sleep.

Wider support can look like:

• Working with the individual to set up a regular daily or weekly timetable
• Adding enjoyable or meaningful activities to the routine
• Encouraging the individual to break routines into small, achievable steps

This means looking at what works best for the person and adjusting as needed. Routines are most useful when they are simple and flexible.

Promoting Exercise and Physical Health

Physical health and mental health are closely linked. Exercise, even in small amounts, can release chemicals in the brain that boost mood and reduce feelings of stress.

Ways to support include:

• Suggesting gentle walks or short activities outdoors
• Supporting the person to join a local fitness, sports, or social class
• Helping to set realistic goals (such as “walk round the block three times a week”)
• Encouraging them to try out activities with you, if appropriate

Bear in mind, the individual’s physical needs and preferences will shape how much and what kind of activity is suitable.

Encouraging Healthy Eating

What a person eats can affect their mood and energy levels. Healthy eating does not mean strict diets, but it does encourage regular meals and a balanced intake of fruit, vegetables, protein, and whole grains.

Support might include:

• Helping to plan and prepare meals
• Shopping together for healthy food
• Encouraging drinking enough water

If someone has eating difficulties, be patient. Consult with healthcare professionals if there are concerns about drastic weight loss or gain.

Supporting Restful Sleep

Poor sleep can make mental health problems worse. Good “sleep hygiene” means setting up habits and a bedroom environment that supports rest.

Key points:

• Encouraging regular bedtime and wake time
• Reducing caffeine and screen use in the evening
• Making the bedroom comfortable and quiet

Support can include helping with a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or gentle music.

Helping with Stress Management

Everyone feels stressed sometimes, but long-term stress can harm mental health. You can encourage simple ways to deal with stress.

Useful strategies:

• Taking slow and deep breaths
• Going outside for fresh air
• Doing something relaxing, such as listening to music or painting
• Breaking down stressful tasks into smaller, easier steps

When stress builds up, encourage the individual to talk about what is making them feel this way.

Supporting Access to Information and Services

Knowledge helps people understand their feelings and what help is available. Support people to find reliable information about mental health – for example, NHS websites or leaflets.

Support can also include:

• Helping the person to book appointments with their GP or mental health specialist
• Going with them to appointments if they want this
• Reminding the individual of their rights and choices

People can access talking therapies, group activities, medication, self-help materials, or crisis services. You support by giving information and choices, never by taking over.

Promoting Independence and Choice

Supporting mental well-being includes helping the individual to make their own choices. Support their confidence in making decisions, whether big or small.

Ways to support independence:

• Talking through options together
• Helping them find useful information before making a decision
• Encouraging them to speak up about their needs and wishes
• Supporting them to set small, achievable goals

This attitude encourages self-belief and a sense of control—key factors in mental well-being.

Respecting Diversity, Values, and Culture

Mental well-being is shaped by someone’s background, beliefs, and culture. Some practices, foods, or activities may be especially meaningful for certain individuals. Always learn about and respect these.

You can support by:

• Asking what is important in the person’s culture or faith
• Including cultural or religious practices in the support plan if wanted
• Using interpreters if there is a language barrier
• Respecting family or community traditions

Never make assumptions about what they “should” value. Always give choice.

Recognising When More Support Is Needed

Sometimes, an individual may need specialist help. Look for signs that suggest someone is finding it difficult to cope on their own. This could include:

• Withdrawing from usual activities or relationships
• Speaking of hopelessness or being unable to go on
• Drastic changes in mood or behaviour
• Self-harm or thoughts of suicide

If you notice these, raise concerns with your manager or seek immediate medical help if there is a risk of harm. Always follow your organisation’s safeguarding policies.

Supporting Through Challenging Times

Difficult times happen in everyone’s life, such as bereavements, illness, or relationship problems. Support during these times means:

• Listening and being alongside the person
• Helping them find useful resources or support groups (like bereavement groups)
• Encouraging self-care and routines
• Not nagging or rushing them to “cheer up”

Remind the person they do not have to cope alone.

Recording and Reporting

Recording what you do and how the individual is feeling supports safe care. Keep clear, factual notes about mental well-being, mood, and anything new you notice. Report safeguarding concerns, changes, or risks to the right person straight away.

Never share personal information unless it is needed to keep someone safe.

Ongoing Support and Reflection

Supporting mental well-being is not a one-off event: it is an ongoing process. Continue to check in with the individual, ask how things are going, and be alert to new needs. Regular reflection—thinking about what is working well and what could be different—improves your practice and the support you give.

Ask for and listen to feedback from the person you support. Talk to your manager or colleagues for advice if needed.

Final Thoughts

Supporting an individual to promote their mental well-being and mental health covers a range of practical, emotional, and social needs. It relies on person-centred support, active listening, encouragement of self-care, and connection with others. It involves respecting personal choices, values, beliefs, and confidentiality. Your role includes supporting access to information and services, encouraging healthy routines, and being alert to changes.

Work alongside the individual and remember that small things often make the biggest difference. Working in partnership, you help the person build resilience and enjoy the highest level of well-being they can.