Celebrating World Mental Health Day

Zumba dancers at the World Mental Health Day celebration

The people of Rochdale were invited to celebrate world mental health day today (Saturday 12 October) at The Butts, Rochdale.

The event aimed to mark mental health day with a series of activities, music and arts and crafts for adults and children.

Herbie McKenzie, organiser of the event, said: “This has become an annual event for Rochdale.

“We usually see around 1,500 people attend and I can say we have definitely had those numbers.”

Post Natal Depression (PND) was one cause that was highlighted.

“The PND team have handed out leaflets and seen over 300 people today,” said Herbie.

Alzheimer’s disease was highlighted as a way of raising awareness of illness in the elderly.

Rochdale and District Mind teamed up with Rochdale Borough Council's Health Team to produce the event.

Other groups involved in the day included Healthwatch, Audiology, Hopwood Hall College, Activ8 Me and the Red Cross.

Annemari Poldkivi, from Healthwatch, said: “We have been involved with this event for a few years and always find it successful. There is always a friendly atmosphere which makes it a good day.”

Helen Connaughton, from Audiology, said: “This is the first time we have been involved with this event but it has certainly been one of the busiest events we have been too.

"It has been nice to give people advice and offer that support. We have had a lot of interest so it's been really positive.”

World Mental Health day fell on Thursday 10 October. Organisers always plan the event for the same week.

Herbie added: “These events definitely help raise awareness of mental health. It helps people understand mental health and raise awareness of different conditions.”