TV star to open Wakefield’s world mental health day celebrations

Local writer and broadcaster Ian Clayton will be in Wakefield on 11th October to open the city’s World Mental Health Day celebrations.

Everyone is invited to join in the celebrations and learn about mental health issues at the event – which will take place at Treacy Hall, Wakefield Cathedral, 10-3pm.

Phil Walters head of public involvement, from South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust says, "We’re delighted that Ian Clayton is opening the event – he is well known in the area for his work on Yorkshire TV presenting programmes such as ‘My Yorkshire’ and appearing on Calendar News. We’re really pleased Ian is supporting Wakefield’s World Mental Health Day event and we hope lots of local people will come and join the celebrations. Remember one in four of us will have a mental health problem in the course of a year."

The day will include a performance of a play called ‘Shut up’ by students from Castleford High School. Visitors to the Wakefield event will also have the chance to try out arts activities, complimentary therapies and get information, advice and support about mental health from a variety of voluntary, health and social care organisations.

The event has been organised by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust (SWYMHT) in partnership with Wakefield Council and the Wakefield District PCT (primary care NHS trust). It is free of charge and lunch will be provided for all visitors.

One of the organisers of this year’s event is Nesar Rafiq, chairperson of Wakefield District Partnership Cohesion Advisory Group. Nesar has also experienced mental health problems. He says, "We want to bring everyone together and send out the message that we’re positive about mental health in Wakefield. Life doesn’t stop with mental illness – in fact with the right treatment and support life can be enhanced. Gone are the times when people are ashamed of having a mental health problem. This event is a fantastic way for people to get together and celebrate World Mental Health Day."

The event is just one of the celebrations taking place across South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust and throughout the world that aim to raise the profile of mental health issues and help to remove the stigma that surround mental illness.