South Kirklees people invited to celebrate mental wellbeing!
Everyone is invited to join in Huddersfield’s World Mental Health Day celebrations at the University of Huddersfield on 10th October 10-3pm. For the first time ever the event will be broadcast live on the University’s website via podcast.
The event is just one of many celebrations taking place across South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust and throughout the world, which aims to tackle the stigma that surrounds mental illness and raise the profile of mental health.
Kirklees Mayor Councillor Jean Calvert will open the event – which will take place across three venues at the university – the Quayside building, the Howard Wilson building and the Castle Hill suite.
Dancing, creative writing, arts and crafts, reiki healing and massage are just some of the activities visitors to the event will be able to try out. There will be a week-long exhibition of art work by AIM (artists in mind) – an arts organisation which encourages people with mental health problems to be creative. On the day there will also be a play called ‘Hideaway’ by a group of people who have experienced mental health issues.
There will also be lots of information, advice and support on mental health issues available from a number of organisations.
Speaking about the event, Jill Leckey, principal lecturer for mental health at University of Huddersfield says, "This year’s world mental health day celebrations are really exciting, and hopefully we can reach even more people via the podcast. World mental health day is a fantastic opportunity to bring together people from across the community to learn more about mental health and celebrate mental wellbeing."
Steven Michael, South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust Chief Executive added, "The event is also a chance to learn more about our plans to become a Foundation Trust – a different type of NHS organisation, based on membership. People who become members of the Trust can have a say in how NHS services are developed and improved, as well as receive information about looking after their own mental wellbeing. Remembering that one in four of us will experience a mental health problem, I hope local people take this opportunity to find out more and consider becoming a member."
The event has been jointly organised by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust (SWYMHT) and University of Huddersfield. It is free of charge and coffee and tea will be available for all visitors.
There will also be an event just for those who care for someone with a mental health problem. The ‘Carers celebrate World Mental Health Day’ event will take place at Ravensthorpe community centre on the 10th October. Carers and their friends will have the chance to have a go at yoga, belly dancing, floristry and lots more.