Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day (Saturday, October 9) and Preston city centre is getting involved, hosting plenty of fun-packed events, designed to raise awareness and provide support, at its popular Flag Market.
Organisers from Preston Wellfest Network have put together a busy schedule which will showcase dancers, bands, stalls and talks from various organisations all raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing in their own unique way.
Focusing on this year’s international theme of ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ and around the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ each act and event represents each stage of promoting healthy wellbeing.
The five stages include: connecting, being active, taking notice, learning and giving.
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Lauren Worden, Community Project Officer and part of the team organising the event says the line-up of acts are not only fun and exciting, but are a way for people to know that there is support and people who can help in their own city.
“The Flag Market is a nice central space in Preston where we can bring awareness to the subject and awareness on explaining that there are alternative ways of dealing with your wellbeing,” Lauren said.
“It helps with knowledge of the little things you can do yourself- it’s just a way to plant those seeds to help people with their wellbeing.
“Now more than ever I think with GPs not doing face-to-face we really need these kind of preventative options where people can help themselves at least get through the day with a little bit of support.
“What happens during these kinds of events is that people don’t know there is this support right on their door step- it’s about giving people the understanding that it’s really accessible and it is right there – and a lot of them are free too.”
The event will run from 11am to 4pm. 15 local Lancashire organisations will be attending the event – running stalls, as well as providing advice, information, and support to anyone that might require it.
There will also be many activities and workshops focused on creating hope, from mindfulness to photography, to highlight the kind of hobbies people can get involved with to improve their mental health.
In addition there will be performances throughout the day from Preston People’s Choir, Worldwise Samba Drummers and a special Flash Mob by LemonDANCE.
Councillor Jennifer Mein, Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at Preston City Council, said: “It is so important that everyone makes their mental health a priority.
“The Preston Wellfest Network and World Mental Health Day provides the opportunity to bring together local organisations to offer support and guidance to anyone seeking help or advice about how to improve their wellbeing.
“Events like this are crucial as it allows us to talk publicly about mental health, to raise awareness, offer advice and help people change habits and behaviours in order to improve their Mental Health.”
County Councillor Michael Green, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: “It’s a great opportunity to practice the five ways to wellbeing, which are proven to help tackle mental health issues such as stress and anxiety.
“These are connecting with others, being physically active, learning new skills, giving to others and paying attention to the present moment.
“You would be being active by visiting the event. At the festival you’d be connecting with other people, learning about services and how you can support yourself by developing skills such as meditation, while taking notice of your surroundings.
“You could also give to others by passing on your new knowledge to friends and family. Visiting the Preston Wellfest Network event is a great way to find out more about your mental health.”
To find out what help is available in Preston visit the Help in Preston website.
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