Marking World Mental Health Day

Mental health will be in the spotlight next week as a host of events and activities are planned to mark World Mental Health Day (10 October).

The day seeks to promote a positive understanding about issues around mental health and raise awareness of what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people across the globe.

A drop-in event is being held at Cleadon Park Library between 10am and 12.30pm on Monday, 10 October.  Information will be available from South Tyneside Change4Life Health and Wellbeing Champions Network, who will all be available to offer advice to help people improve their mental health. The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay, will open the sessions and launch a new collection of books in the library called Reading Well for Teens. This will support the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers, providing information, advice and support to help teens better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost confidence. The books have been chosen and endorsed by leading health professionals and co-produced with teenagers.

Women's Health in South Tyneside (WHIST) will also be celebrating World Mental Health Day on 10 October. A range of activities to boost mental health and wellbeing such as exercise taster classes, crafts and mood boosts will be on offer between 11am and 2pm at their base at 33 Mile End Road in South Shields.

Ahead of that, a mental health awareness day will be held at Bilton Hall on Sunday, 9 October. Run by Even Better CIC, the day will include a range of free activities including a mental health workshop, bug hunting, drumming and dancing. There will also be stalls from lots of local organisations that can offer mental health support.

Blissability will be hosting a session on Wednesday 12 October for anyone worried about the cost of living crisis and the effect this is having on their mental health. Local services will be available to speak to at Blissability's base at 34 - 36 Green Street, South Shields between 12.30pm and 3.30pm.

On Wednesday, 12 October, a range of activities will be held at Big Local Jarrow in Jarrow Focus. People can enjoy a chat, try their hand at craft activities and enjoy some tasty soup and a cuppa. The event runs from 1pm - 4pm.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "If you're struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Feelings of anxiety and depression can affect us all, particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis.

"However, help is at hand and I would encourage everyone to find out more about the support that is out there. You do not need to suffer in silence and there is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that you're not OK and asking for help."

To find out more about cost of living support visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/costofliving 

The day will also see the launch of a new national Every Mind Matters campaign. For more information on local Mental Health support call South Tyneside Lifecycle on 0191 2932937 or visit South Tyneside Lifecycle Mental Health