World Mental Health Day

MIND Logo

Patients are being encouraged to look after their minds as well as their bodies during a series of events to mark World Mental Health Day on Wednesday 10 October.

A video diary made during last year’s World Mental Health Day will be shown expressing the views of people who use mental health services in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.  Also, a new mosaic designed by mental health service users will be unveiled during a celebration at the Comple@t Internet Café in Middleton.

The event, supported by Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT, will include an award ceremony to congratulate volunteers from Rochdale and District charity ‘Mind’ gaining accredited qualifications.

Visitors can also watch roles play enacted by service users giving an insight into mental health services, take part in a Spiral Dance Group demonstration, and contribute to a piece of artwork which will go on show at Mind’s Drake Street offices. The former Mayor of Rochdale and MIND patron, Jean Hornby, will unveil a new mosaic created at the café.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust is working with ‘Mind’ to celebrate the annual event and fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

On the morning of Friday, 12 October 2007 the PCT will be holding another event to mark World Mental Health Day. This awareness event called ‘Mental Health in a Changing World – The Impact of Culture and Diversity’ will take place at Buckley Hall prison. Prisoners and their families will be able to find out about mental health issues and take part in workshops teaching relaxation methods such as meditation and reiki.

Shabnam Sardar, Mental Health Promotion Lead for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT, says: “People often forget that as well as looking after the fitness of their bodies, they also need to keep their minds healthy. We want to encourage people to take positive control of their mental health and celebrate mental wellbeing.

“Last year’s celebrations were great fun, with people giving their views about what affects their mental health, in the ‘Diary Room’. Those views have helped us to decide how we can improve mental health services for our patients. Service - users views and suggestions captured in the diary room have helped shaped the Mental Health Promotion Strategy that will be launched soon.”

Shabnam Sardar will be leading a discussion on mental health and culture on Crescent Community Radio 97.0fm, Tuesday 9 October, 3-5pm.