Arts and mental health celebration in Huddersfield town centre

Local people had the opportunity to attend a unique arts and mental health event in Huddersfield town centre today.

South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust (SWYMHT) along with voluntary and arts organisations held information stalls and art workshops as part of mental health charity Mind’s 30 year celebrations.

SWYMHT staff were on hand to give out information on different mental health problems and tell people what services are available in Huddersfield to help people with mental health problems and their carers. They also offered face painting and sweets for children.

Other organisations at the event included Cloverleaf (a mental health advocacy organisation), AIM (artists in mind), Huddersfield University, DASH (depression and anxiety self help) and Kirklees user voice.

Visitors to the event – which took place outside the bus station (on Macaulay Street) – were also able to enjoy an African drumming performance from Hoot – an organisation that uses music and dance to promote positive mental health.

PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison) worker Jackson Lynn, who helped to man the Trust’s information stall said, "It’s been a fantastic day – it’s a good chance to help raise awareness about mental health issues among local people in Huddersfield. Hopefully through the arts activities that have been on all day we’re showing people the positive aspects of mental health and helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness – one in four of us will experience a mental health problem in the course of a year."