Organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are celebrating this year’s World Mental Health Day (Thursday 10 October 2024) with a host of events and activities to raise awareness and to support people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Events are spread across the county and the city throughout the week and start with Somali Parents and Community Association’s Wellbeing event on the Tuesday 8 October and a webinar that addresses men’s mental health on the evening of Wednesday 9 October called “Bridging the Barriers with men.”
Many events bring the voluntary sector, health and local authorities together to showcase the range of activities and support that is there to support people.
One such event is taking place in Oadby and Wigston’s Memphys Hub where visitors will be treated to drumming sessions and Lush cosmetics in addition to a host of other activities.
Eliza Deakins, one of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s (LPT) Neighbourhood Leads, is part of the team that has organised the event. Eliza said: “We wanted to create an exciting day on World Mental Health Day for people to come and find out about support and services for them, plus learn some new ideas about how they maintain good health and wellbeing. If we think about this year’s theme of health in the workplace, the partners at the event provide the essential support that helps people get to a place where they can work and stay in work, no matter what their mental or physical health challenges could be.”
Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire (HWLL), the local health and social care champion, will be joining staff at Mountsorrel Quarry to mark this year’s theme to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing at work while offering information and signposting to local services.
Harsha Kotecha, HWLL Chair said “This World Mental Health Day, we want to ensure that employees feel heard and empowered to access the services and the support available to them. Prioritising mental health is not only beneficial for individuals but is essential for the overall success of organisations and communities.”
Other events include a pop-up event at Fosse Park and Loughborough Hospital, a day of speeches, dancing and sessions with Adhar at the Church of Our Lady in Leicester and a symposium organised by the Peepul Centre on Saturday 12 October with keynote speakers from the world of mental health.
Tanya Hibbert, Executive Director for Mental Health at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) added: “It is fantastic to see so many events taking place throughout this week to mark World Mental Health Day. Our organisation is holding events and inviting teams to get involved across LPT to recognise this day within their own teams.
“In addition, we have a team of who work with patients to support them in finding work. Having a job is a key component of living well for people. Not only does it give people a livelihood, but work helps people’s confidence, sense of purpose, achievement and ability to build relationships.”