Mental Health Awareness Week – Advice and support on hand at Let’s talk mental health event
Let’s talk mental health logo
Local residents and those are interested, or who work in, mental health, are invited to come along to Shropshire’s Let’s Talk Mental Health event at The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Sundorne, Shrewsbury on Tuesday 15 May 2018.
About the event
The event from 10am to 4pm, is being hosted by Shropshire Council’s Mental Health team in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week, which take place from 14 to 20 May.
This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Stress’. Research shows that 16 million people experience a mental health problem each year, and stress is a key factor in this. By identifying and dealing with stress we can go a long way to tackling mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and, in some instances, self-harm and suicide.
Shropshire Let’s Talk Mental Health Event is being attended by over 20 organisations who will be offering advice and support as well as showcasing the work they do.
Organisations attending
Organisations at the event will include:
- 360 Shrewsbury/Barnabas
- A4U
- Al Anon
- Big Red’s House
- Bromford
- Carers Trust 4 All
- Green Oak Foundation
- Christians Against Poverty
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Crowsmill CIC
- Customer Services, Shropshire Council
- Eden Futures
- Enable
- Joint Training – Shropshire Council
- Positive Steps / Shared Lives
- Public Protection – Shropshire Council
- SASH Housing
- Shrewsbury Food Hub
- Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Shropshire Housing
- Shropshire Libraries
- Shropshire Recovery Partnership
- Walking With The Wounded
- West Mercia Police
- Wild Team – Shropshire Council
Activities taking place
Activities at the event include, laughter and yoga workshops, head messages as well as practical advice and tips on how to help relieve stress.
Representatives from Crowsmill Craft Centre will be demonstrating how they can help individuals to learn new skills, including woodwork, blacksmithing, welding and archery. Attendees will be able to find out more about the newly launched Shropshire Human Library and will also be able to borrow books from the new service.
Councillor Lee Chapman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing said;
“By tackling stress, we can go a long way to tackle mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and, in some instances, self-harm and suicide.
“Our Let’s Talk Mental Health event is a great opportunity for people who need advice and support to help cope with the day to day stresses that life brings. It’s also a great way for our partners to showcase the fantastic work they do to support the mental health and well-being of our local communities.”
With this year’s theme of ‘Stress’, Mental Health Awareness Week, the event also focuses on those whose who work in Mental Health.
Andy Begley, Director of Adult Services at Shropshire Council added:
“Mental health staff work hard to support those with mental health issues. Yet, as staff workloads increase along with the complexities of their work, they are less likely to monitor their own stress levels or to put into practice what they preach.
“Our Let’s Talk Mental Health event will therefore provide a valuable opportunity for staff, as well for those who use mental health services, to come together, in an informal setting, where information can be shared and achievements celebrated.”
For more information about the event click here or visit http://shropshire.gov.uk/lets-talk-mental-health-event/
For information on Mental Health Awareness Week visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Further information
Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 will take place from 14-20 May on the theme of stress.
Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems and inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all.
Mental Health Awareness Week has been run by the Mental Health Foundation since 2001.
