World mental heath day event huge success

The South West Yorkshire Mental health Trust would like to thank everyone who helped to make the World Mental Health Day celebrations at CISWO Community Centre, Halfpenny Lane, Pontefract on Friday 14th October, 10-3pm.

Many people including Trust staff, people with mental health problems and their carers and members of the public came to the event to find out more about mental health issues and try out complementary therapies.

People could have a go at tai chi, relaxation, crystal therapies, healing, massage and sculpture making. Voluntary, health and social organisations were also on hand to give out information, advice and support about mental health and issues surrounding it.

There was an art exhibition by members of the Inspire group – a Trust creative arts group for people who have experienced mental health problems. Tracey Abraham – one of the artists whose work was exhibited said, "We decided to display our work to the public to show that people with mental health problems are often very talented and creative – we wanted to show the other side of having a mental illness. Being creative helps people to recover and feel better."

More…. Chief executive Judith Young said, "The World Mental Health Day event at Pontefract was a great success. It was fantastic that so many people from all parts of the community came to join in with the celebrations. World Mental Health day is a chance to focus on the positive aspects of mental health and try to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Events like this help to raise awareness amongst the general public about maintaining their own mental well-being – 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem in the course of a year."

The event was one of many celebrations that took place across South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust.