Local community in Wakefield asked to get involved in wellbeing month
Community groups, voluntary organisations, health centres and schools are amongst those in the Wakefield district being asked to get involved and hold events that help promote wellbeing during October 2010.
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is organising wellbeing month from 1st October to 31st October 2010 and is asking local organisations and groups to join in by hosting their own event or activity.
October has been chosen as it includes world mental health day on the10th October; celebrated around the world. South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the local specialist provider of NHS mental health and learning disability services and is co-ordinating the wellbeing month to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote wellbeing.
Throughout the month events and activities are being planned, all designed to boost wellbeing. Events can be large or small, open to the public or specific groups only. Existing activities and events can also be held during wellbeing month and simply added to the listings – it’s a great way for community organisations to reach new audiences.
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s chief executive, Steven Michael, said: ” We all know we need to look after our physical wellbeing but 1 in 4 of us will also experience a mental health problem in the course of a year. But there are things we can all do to help our mental and physical wellbeing.
“We want people in our local communities to be able to try something new to enhance their wellbeing and hope to see local libraries, sport centres, art venues, health centres, schools and community centres all get involved.”
Phil Walters, head of involvement and inclusion at the Trust, said, "This year’s month-long programme of events builds on the success of the Trust’s ‘Festival of Wellbeing’ in 2009, which saw over 200 events and activities take place. This year, we’re hoping that wellbeing month will bring our local communities together once more to explore different ways of boosting wellbeing."
To be a part of wellbeing month, organisations or groups simply need to submit a listing at: www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk where they can also find more information. Or call 01924 328656 or email inclusion@swyt.nhs.uk