The Trust is hosting an outdoor public event to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 202 on Thursday 12 May 2022.
Wih 1-in-4 adults and 1-in-10 children* experiencing mental illness during their lifetime, and with many more of us knowing and caring for people who do – the Island’s providers of mental health services are coming together to share what is available to improve wellbeing.
We have worked with partners and local providers to bring together over twenty local community groups and organisations, who provide a range of advice and services that both support people when they are struggling but also to provide opportunities and ideas to thrive.
Exhibitors include support organisations such as Carers IW, Citizen’s Advice Isle of Wight, WOW Isle of Wight Women’s Centre and the Nature Therapy community interest group, who will demonstrate soothing drumming, aimed at lifting mood and reducing anxiety.
Clinical Quality Improvement Lead, Rachael Middle said:
"Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event when there is an opportunity for everyone to focus on achieving good mental health, and this years theme is ‘loneliness’.
“Many of us have been able to reconnect with our loved ones in person again after a difficult 2 years of pandemic restrictions, however, we know that many people felt lonely and isolated long before the pandemic and still struggle with this.
“Local communities play an important part in supporting people to connect with others and to help reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
“Whether your’e coming alone or bringing a friend or family member, we’d love to see as many people as possible at this event, which will be a great opportunity to see the variety of support and resources available on the Island to help support good mental health”
The event will be held at St. Mary’s Hospital as follows:
Date: Thursday 12 May
Time: 11am to 3pm
Location: The Duck Pond, opposite South Block, St. Mary's Hospital
Everyone is welcome and can drop in at any time to browse the stalls and speak to the service providers. Refreshments will be available to purchase including hots drinks, fruit, cakes, plus ice creams by Wight Ices.
Visitors attending this event will be expected to wear a mask (unless clinically exempt) in the gazebo area. Masks and hand sanitation facilities will be available at the event.
Parking will be free on the day but is very limited so please use public transport if you can, you can use Southern Vectis Bus Route No 1 which stops outside the main hospital site.
*Source: NHS website
More about Mental Health Awareness Week 2022.
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