Local people invited to first-of-its-kind event
Local people are invited to attend a free first-of-its-kind event where they can find out about looking after their mental wellbeing as well as watch unique live drama and music performances.
South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, which provides NHS mental health and learning disability services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield (as well as specialist services to the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber), is offering two opportunities to attend these special events. People are welcome to attend either, depending on what is more convenient to their home or place of work: • 1st July, 5-8pm, Fieldhead, Ouchthorpe Lane, Wakefield • 2nd July, 5-8pm, Hudawi Centre, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield.
South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust is applying to become a Foundation Trust which is a different type of NHS organisation based on membership. Over 9800 local people have already joined the Trust and the events in July are the first events held for members. It’s also an opportunity for other local people to find out more about becoming a member of the Trust, which is free.
Those attending the events will also be able to learn more about NHS mental health and learning disability services and get top tips on keeping a healthy mind from a clinical professional. There will also be inspirational talks about how people have set up and taken part in groups that promote self-help and recovery. Light refreshments will be available throughout the evening and both events will close with a vibrant drumming and percussion session by local music group HOOT.
The event at Fieldhead, Wakefield will include a live drama performance by Full Monty star Steve Huison from the Shoestring Theatre Company. Steve will perform a one-man play ‘Fifty feet and falling’ which is based on the diaries of a close friend who struggled with depression.
The event at the Hudawi Centre, Huddersfield will include a performance of the thought-provoking and inspirational ‘Katy’s story’. This will be performed by the Whole In The Head Theatre Company, a unique company of local actors who have had personal experience of mental health issues.
Chief Executive Steven Michael said, "1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem so we are delighted to host these special events to help people find out more about local NHS services as well as learn about issues that potentially affect us all.
"The events are also an opportunity to meet some of the newly-elected Members’ Council who represent local people and will oversee the running of the Trust. I encourage everyone, whether a current Trust member or not, to come along to these events and bring their friends, families and colleagues with them to what promises to be a very interesting and enjoyable evening."
For further information, including a full programme, visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk or call 01924 327567.