People of Pontefract get festive to celebrate wellbeing!

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South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust held a Festival of Wellbeing at Pontefract Town Hall today to celebrate World Mental Health Day. The event was a huge success and attracted people from all over the district who turned out to show their support and learn about ways to keep their minds healthy.

The event was just one of many celebrations taking place across South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust and throughout the world to promote wellbeing and tackle the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

The day was jointly organised by the Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and a group of service users called United Minds. This year’s celebrations included arts and crafts, pampering sessions, a puppet show, bead therapy and free refreshments. There was also plenty of entertainment including poetry reading and a special performance from local talent 13 year old Jack Walton who sang and played the guitar.

There were information stalls at the event and displays helping people understand the importance of looking after their own mental wellbeing. Information for families and carers was also available.

Mrs Mumford, who is a counsellor for the Well Women Centre went along to the festival and said, "This is the first time I’ve been to a World Mental Health Day celebration and I think it’s great. I’m glad I wore bright colours as there is a real festival atmosphere with a feel-good factor!"

Angela Matthews, who is a member of the Trust also attended the event and said, "I loved making my own jewellery at the bead therapy stall. I feel thoroughly relaxed."

Linda O’Gorman who works for the Trusts PALS team and helped organise the event said, "So many people from Pontefract and beyond have joined us for what has been a fantastic day. Thanks to everybody who took part in the celebration and made the day such a success."

Chair of the Trust, Joyce Catterick said, "This event was a real triumph and gave local people the opportunity to get together, try new things and raise awareness of mental health. Most importantly people have had lots of fun and learnt about ways to boost their wellbeing."

She added, "We now have 10,000 members joined up to the organisation and it was great to see so many of them turn out to this event and share in the celebrations."

People of Pontefract get festive to celebrate wellbeing!

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