Rochdale marks World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day
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An event to raise awareness of mental health and to celebrate World Mental Health day took place in Rochdale Town Centre yesterday (Saturday 11 October).

Held on The Butts, the event aimed to mark World Mental Health Day with a series of talks, entertainment, information and arts and crafts for children.

Herbie McKenzie, organiser of the event, said: “It has been absolutely brilliant. We have seen far more people coming along this year than we did last year and we have a lot more going on this year.”

Organisations at the event included Rochdale and District Mind, Rochdale Borough User Forum, Making Spaces and Rochdale Circle.

Healthy Minds were at the event to promote their services.

Clare Stephenson from Healthy Minds said: “It has been really good. We have spoken to a lot of people and have seen a number of people interested in our self-referrals service. We came last year and I think it has been busier this year.”

The Big Life Group were also at the event.

Ann Howarth, Service Manager for Living Well, said: “It has been really good. We have not only given out information but have been doing health checks like checking peoples blood pressure and weighing them and giving advice and that has been popular.”

Fatima Bibi, Duel Diagnosis Co-ordinator, added: “This is the first time I have been at the event so it has been good to network with other people and make connections with other organisations.”

World Mental Health Day falls on 10 October so organisers aim to hold the event on the same weekend every year.

Herbie added: “We hope to make it bigger and better every year.”