Laughter workshops, educational plays and social knitting sessions will offer people a chance to learn about and frankly discuss mental health issues, according to a trustee of the organisation behind Epsom Mental Health Week.
This year’s week features more than 70 events held across the borough between Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 16.
Epsom Mental Health Week is a collaborative event between the council, county-wide health trusts and local mental health organisations including Carers of Epsom, the Mary Frances Trust and My Time for Young Carers.
Various charities and organisations will run informational stalls in the market place throughout the week.
The week features mindfulness drawing and art sessions and talks from people living with mental health issues, all offering people a chance to learn more.
Dr Max Pemberton, a journalist with more than 15 years’ experience, will open the festivities and will also speak about the media’s role in shaping public discussion about mental health issues.
“At the very heart of the week is the idea of inclusivity, so it’s important to emphasise that it’s open to absolutely anyone and everyone,” he said.
“As well as a stimulating and interesting week, we want to help create a safe and caring community for people.
“There is always someone to listen and opportunity for you to share your stories.”
For Allen Price (pictured above, central), trustee at Love Me Love My Mind (LMLMM), the charity that organised Epsom Mental Health Week, communication is vital to furthering people’s understanding of mental health issues.
“The main thing for me is talking,” he said, “having these conversations between someone who has a mental health problem and someone who doesn’t.
“Hopefully it gives people an opportunity to address their mental health concerns.
“It is still a challenge for a society, but I think if we keep doing what we are doing, it is going in the right direction.”
Claire Robertson, service manager at Carers of Epsom, a charity that offers free active support to unpaid carers in Banstead, Epsom and Ewell, agreed with Mr Price.
“It’s about reducing the stigma,” she added.
“We don’t get much good news about mental health.
“It’s about being open and honest and talking about it and bringing it to the general public at events like this.”
Now in its ninth year, Epsom Mental Health Week has grown massively from its humble beginnings.
“When it was first started we had just one A4 piece of paper with all the events on it,” LMLMM trustee Mr Price explained.
“This time there is a whole booklet with over 70 events and 18 or 19 local organisations getting involved.
“It really has grown beyond our wildest dreams.”
For more information and a full programme of events, visit http://www.lovemelovemymind.org.uk/epsom-mental-health-week/
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