Local people invited to 150 events designed to boost wellbeing
1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in the course of a year and there are things that we can all do to help our mental wellbeing. That’s the message from the local NHS this autumn.
The local provider of specialist NHS mental health services is South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust is holding a wellbeing festival from 29th September to 16th October across Calderdale, Kirklees or Wakefield and anyone can join in!
The festival is designed to mark world mental health day 2009 which is celebrated throughout the world to tackle the stigma that surrounds mental illness and promote wellbeing.
There are 150 events and activities as part of the festival, based around 3 key themes. Events and activities are taking place in community centres, parks, offices, NHS services, factories, libraries, churches and many more venues. Some of the events and activities taking place, based around the 3 themes are:
Get moving! •Football tournament •Tai Chi •Roller derby skating •Archery competition •Walking and allotment groups •Anti-stigma walks •Bulb planting •Tea dance
Get creative! •Art exhibition •Music and photography workshops •Craft groups •Arts festival •Dance performances •DIY music therapy •Face painting
Get involved! •Drop-in groups •Information displays •Support groups •Trust annual general meeting •Dialogue groups •Coffee mornings •Advocacy training
An art exhibition at Fieldhead in Wakefield, will mark the start of the wellbeing festival and runs until 5th October. The exhibition is the official launch of the artwork on display which has been created by people who use Trust services across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.
The Trust’s chief executive, Steven Michael, said: “As 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem, this is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma and promote wellbeing. “We know that creativity, physical activity and social inclusion all make a big difference to wellbeing so our festival is concentrating on these areas. We want people in our local communities to be able to try something new to enhance their wellbeing and we’re delighted to see so many people in our local communities getting involved by hosting events and activities. I hope many more local people will join in.”
Full details and a list of all events taking place can be found at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk or by calling 0800 587 2108 or emailing inclusion@swyt.nhs.uk