Shropshire mental health services join forces to celebrate World Mental Health Day
Mental health statutory and voluntary sector service providers across Shropshire will be coming together on Thursday 8 October 2015 at The Square in Shrewsbury town centre between 10am to 3pm in support of World Mental Health Day.
World Mental Health Day (which is 10 October each year) is an annual event promoted globally by the World Health Organisation, and nationally by the Mental Health Foundation. It aims at raising awareness of mental health and addressing associated stigma. This year its theme is “Dignity in mental health”.
The event in The Square on 8 October, organised by ip&e’s Help2Change, will “raise awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health problems can live with dignity”. Organisations who will be offering information and advice throughout the day include:-
- Mind
- South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Samaritans
- Trident Reach
- Rethink
- Alzheimer’s Society
- Green Oak Foundation
- SIAS
- Axis
- Carers Support Service
- Confide.
Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, and Chair of Shropshire’s Health and Well-being Board, said:
“Mental health issues are regularly ignored or symptoms commonly go unnoticed. Those affected by mental illnesses, whether they are suffering themselves or know someone who is, aren’t aware of the many ways in which they can deal with this disorder. There are a variety of services across Shropshire that are available to provide help and advice on mental health. This event is about raising awareness to local people, and an opportunity for those affected to reach out to get support.”
Help2Change’s mental health and well-being lead Paola Alessandri-Gray, who has organised the event said:-
“Mental health affects everybody, it is something as human beings we deal with every day. 1 in 4 people are diagnosed with a mental health issue at some point in their life. Our event is a way of working collaboratively towards addressing the needs of our local communities. This day will provide an opportunity for individuals in the local community to engage with providers of services, as well as a chance for local organisations and partners to showcase the quality and quantity of services available in Shropshire.”
For more information about the mental health services across the county, visit http://www.healthyshropshire.co.uk/topics/mental-health/ and support World Mental Health Day.
