World Mental Health Day

Wednesday 10 October 2013

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) is joining forces with partner organisations from around the county to celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2013 with events planned for Bedford and Luton. The aim of the events is to combat stigma and discrimination against mental health, promote mental well-being across our communities and this year we are particularly focusing on arts, exercise and mental well-being.

Bedford Events

Let’s Get Physical

Date: 10 October 2013

Time: 10.00 – 14.00

Venue: Church Square (Pigeon Square)

Bedford Town Centre

The Bedford event will be opened by Dave Hodgson, the elected Mayor of Bedford. There will be lots of help and information available at stalls located in Church Square and music and entertainment throughout the day. Including the creation of a massive human sculpture inspired by the Mandala symbol

Entertainment from:

Barford Avenue All Stars (service user band)

Physical Health Team (SEPT)

Zumba / Pilates dancers

The Bedford Giant Conga

Music and dance throughout the day

Open your Mind to Arts

Time: 17.30 – 21.00

Venue: Bedford Borough Hall

Cauldwell Street

Bedford

MK42 9AP

Explore your creativity and find out how it can enhance well-being. Interactive workshops, presentations, art exhibition, sculptures, poetry recital, live music, information and light refreshments. Official opening by the Elected Mayor of the Borough of Bedford, Dave Hodgson and an appearance by Max McMurdo star of Dragons Den and Fill Your House for Free.

(Max takes everyday waste objects and playfully up-cycles them into beautiful accessories and functional pieces of furniture)

Luton Events

Make a Pledge

Date: 7 October – 10 October

Venue: First Floor

Luton Central Library

St George’s Square

Luton

Sheila Roden, Luton Mayor, will be making her pledge at 11.00 on 10 October – with all pledges linked to the Pledge Wall on www.time-to-change.org.uk

For the week of World Mental Health Day there will be a display available all week at Luton Central Library, including information from MIND, Time to Change, Mental Health Foundation and ImpactMH about mental health in the community.

The display will be available all week but there will be staff and service users available on World Mental Health day (10 October) offering advice and information to visitors.

Gail Dearing, SEPT’s Associate Director of Social Care and Partnerships said:

“These events hope to inform people of the benefits of art and creativity for positive mental health, to dispel myths about mental health problems and show the wealth of talent and potential of those who encounter mental health difficulty and stigma in the wider community owing to misunderstanding.

With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health problems at some time in their lives, a better understanding amongst the general population is vital in helping people overcome these difficulties.”

ENDS

Media Enquiries:

Dee Hunnie
Communications Manager
SEPT Integrated Health Services Bedfordshire and Luton
Mobile: 07825 863400
Email: dee.hunnie@sept.nhs.uk

Notes to Editor:

About World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health day supported by the United Nations is held annually on October 10th to raise public awareness about mental health issues worldwide. It is observed in more than 100 countries and is an initiative of the world federation for Mental Health. The World Health Organisation which is the UN’s directing and co-ordinating authority for health supports this event.

Mental disorders affect nearly 12% of the world’s population – about 450million or 1 in 4 people around the world will experience a mental illness that would benefit from diagnosis and treatment.

The aim of all of the events listed above is to promote mental wellbeing across our local communities and to combat stigma and discrimination towards people experiencing mental ill health. SEPT work alongside the national Time to Change campaign and the Make a Difference group is the co-ordinating body in partnership with numerous community organisations both statutory and third sector.

Bedford Event

Bedford Event Stall Holders

• Diverse Cultures - SEPT
• Food First - SEPT
• The Bedford Foodbank
• Time to Change
• Patient Experience Team - SEPT
• Bedford Creative Arts
• Noah Enterprises
• Emmaus
• Empowa / Barford Avenue
• CAN
• Bedford Creative Arts – Infinite29 will be creating a massive human sculpture inspired by the Mandala symbol. www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk.

More Information about SEPT

With an annual turnover of approximately £350m South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) is one of the most successful Foundation Trusts in the country providing integrated care including mental health, learning disability, social care and community services.

We provide these services across Bedfordshire, Essex, Luton and Suffolk, employ approximately 7,000 people and serve a population of 2.5 million. We work with a wide range of partner organisations to deliver care and support to people in their own homes and from a number of hospital and community based premises. We have many modern community based resource centres and clinics to provide local services to local people where possible.