Residents asked to make a pledge for World Mental Health Day
Swindon Borough Council is calling on residents to pledge an action they will take to look after their mental health.
Published: Tuesday, 2nd October 2018
This year, World Mental Health Day is on Wednesday, 10 October and an international campaign has been set up by the World Federation for Mental Health to encourage people to think about their mental health.
So far, the Council has engaged 20 local businesses who have pledged to do something for their employees or customers. For example, GLL is offering free access to gyms and fitness classes at its leisure centres (Oasis Leisure Centre, Health Hydro, Link Centre, or Haydon Centre and Gym) on the day. Residents are now also being encouraged to make their pledges by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk and searching ‘World Mental Health Day 2018’.
Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “Mental health is something which affects each and every one of us so it is important we take positive steps to look after it and support others. This is the Council’s Year of Mental Health and we want to spread positive messages around mental wellbeing across the borough and World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to do this.
“Pledges can be as simple as going for a walk, meeting a friend for a coffee and a chat or something larger like running a mental health awareness event at your workplace. My pledge is to talk to at least 10 individuals on World Mental Health Day to spread the positive message about the importance of mental wellbeing.”
Many community centres across Swindon have also taken a pledge to support wellbeing and have signed up to a six-month campaign known as ‘5 Ways to Thrive in your Community’ in partnership with Public Health Swindon.
This will launch on Thursday, 11 October and any community centre involved will display a poster which has been designed and donated by local artist Mary Parsons. People can find out more information by visiting their local community centre.
In addition, seven organisations have signed up to take part in a creative project around young people’s mental health as part of the World Federation for Mental Health’s focus on young people.
On Wednesday, 10 October young people will come together to showcase their artwork and share their views on being a teenager in 2018 as part of a workshop facilitated by Sadie Sharp from The Platform. After the event, the exhibitions created will be displayed at New College.
If you’d like any support or advice regarding your mental health, please have a look on the Swindon Borough Council website and search ‘mental health’ to find out about local support on offer.