World Mental Health Day: Introducing the “Hope Box”

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in Mental health, News on 10th October, 2024

In honour of World Mental Health Day, Thursday 10 October 2024, we are proud to introduce the “Hope Box” initiative. This project is designed to provide people with a practical tool to support their emotional wellbeing during challenging times.

Research shows that hopelessness is deeply connected to suicidal thoughts and feelings, with many people in distress feeling trapped in a state of despair. However, reconnecting with hope can make a significant difference, offering a way forward when it feels impossible.

A simple but effective intervention, a Hope Box serves as a personal collection of meaningful items that reminds people of what is important to them and of brighter moments when needed most. These boxes are designed to promote resilience, reduce distress, and empower people by giving them a sense of control during difficult times. They remind us that while the present may feel overwhelming, the future holds the possibility of change and improvement.

What is a Hope Box?

A Hope Box can be anything its owner needs it to be. It might be a physical box filled with comforting items, a playlist of uplifting songs, a photo album of cherished memories, or anything that helps re-instill hope and resilience. The goal is to create a resource that supports people during tough moments, helping them feel grounded and less isolated in their experiences.

Some ideas for what to include in a Hope Box are:

• Contact details for support organisations such as Samaritans, Papyrus, or The Mix.
• Our Letter of Hope or Letter for Tomorrow.
• Items with a calming scent (e.g. hand cream, essential oils, or scented candles.).
• Simple grounding exercises (e.g. the five senses exercise or mindful breathing).
• Affirmations or personal reminders that provide reassurance and perspective.
• Mementos of positive experiences, such as a pebble from a beach day, a note from a friend, or meaningful song lyrics.
• Instructions to themselves for when they’re feeling low (e.g. “Look at the fridge door for a picture of the family” or “Keep medication in the car to reduce impulsivity”).

By helping people identify what already works for them and introducing new coping strategies, Hope Boxes aim to enhance emotional resilience and reduce the impact of distressing thoughts. The very act of creating the box is a step toward regaining a sense of agency and control.

Debbie Love and Cath Courtney, Senior Training Coordinators, and Marie Ash, Peer Support Worker - founders of the Hope Box initiative - commented: “We wanted to do something to support our colleagues and patients on our acute inpatient units in North Devon to reconnect with hope. It was a simple idea, but like all simple things, took much work and courage to make it happen. As Emily Dickinson reminds us in her poem Hope, ‘it sings a tune without the words and never stops at all.’

“Thanks to Atlas Packaging, who generously donated 100 boxes, and several third-sector organisations that contributed useful items, we are launching the "Hope Box" project. To further support this effort, we held a quiz and raffle to raise funds for additional resources.

“To ensure the success of this initiative, one of our team members has created a session plan for a three-session workshop, which will be rolled out on the wards, starting on Thursday 10 October. These workshops will guide participants through the process of creating their own Hope Boxes, empowering them to reconnect with hope and build resilience.”