WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2019 - 10 OCTOBER
9 October 2019
Health and care partners in Coventry and Warwickshire are marking World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on Thursday, 10 October, with promotional activities to raise awareness of local mental health services and resources.
Organised by the World Federation for Mental Health, this year’s theme for WMHD is suicide prevention. Death by suicide has gradually increased over the years, with rates in the UK having increased to the highest level since 2002. We all have mental health and may know someone who has been affected by poor mental health so it’s more important than ever to show support for better mental health and promote better wellbeing for everyone.
Too often people are afraid to talk about their mental health experiences because they fear the response and stigma they may receive. An information event is being held in Leamington Spa in Royal Priors shopping centre between 10am–1pm on 10 October which aims to challenge this and encourage people that it’s good to talk.
Representatives from Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT), Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire MIND, Change Grow Live and Samaritans among others, will be available for people to talk to, seek advice and find out information about local services.
In Coventry, the Mind Mental Health and Wellbeing bus will be at Ironmonger Row, Coventry City Centre between 10am-4pm. This mobile wellbeing resource has a wealth of information about mental health services and support that is available locally to Coventry and Warwickshire residents.
Anne Prendergast, lead officer for clinical risk and suicide prevention at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “This World Mental Health Day we want to raise awareness about how important it is to take care of your mental health and look out for friends and family who may be struggling. No matter what you’re going through, it’s ok to talk and there’s lots of help and support available to you across Coventry and Warwickshire.
“We will be in Leamington Spa town centre 10am-1pm on 10 October, so come and talk to us.”
Warwickshire County Councillor Les Caborn, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “This World Mental Health Day, health and care partners in Warwickshire and Coventry are continuing their effort to prevent suicide and provide better support for those bereaved by suicide.
“Mental health is a problem that will affect everyone, either directly or indirectly, and it is fantastic to see so many partners across the area working together to both support individuals and help break the stigma of mental health.”
Consultant of Public Health at Coventry City Council, Jane Fowles said: “This World Mental Health Day we and our partners are continuing to focus on working to reduce the rates of suicide in Coventry. Across our region there are many stories of pain and loss from people bereaved by suicide.
“Therefore it is important when addressing this and the surrounding stigma that we make sure their stories are heard, and that everyone in our city feels they have someone to talk to and knows there is help available.”
Information is available about a range of mental health and wellbeing services, including face to face, telephone, online and self-help resources in Coventry by clicking here https://bit.ly/2LQRTVI and in Warwickshire here https://bit.ly/2nsUA6y or www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk.
Please share your messages and show your support on social media using #itsgoodtotalk