World Mental Health Day takes place on 10th October and kicks off Scottish Mental Health Week. The day was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise public awareness of mental health issues; around 154 million people around the world are believed to suffer from depression.

 

The Mental Health foundation are promoting 'Tea and Talk' events to raise awareness and funds to address the suffering caused by mental illness. To order your free talk pack visit http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/support-us/get-involved/teaandtalk/take-part/. If you need more information on organising your Tea & Talk event, email events@mentalhealth.org.uk.

 

‘See me’, Scotland’s national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health,  are raising awareness for Scottish Mental Health Week. Look out for 'see me' stalls with latest promotional materials, a mini wall of support activity and a range of freebies.

 

‘See me’ will also be promoting World Mental Health Day and launching Scottish Mental Health Week on the 10th Oct with a Flash Choir! taking place at 10.30 am in Castle Street, Edinburgh and 1.30 pm in Buchanan Street, Glasgow.  If you happen to be passing either at these times please stop off and be entertained.  

 

Breathing Space will be attending a number of events during the week, including information stands at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank (12th Oct), an NHS Inform service user event in Falkirk (13th Oct) and a Unison Conference in Stirling (14th Oct).

 

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator explained "Scottish Mental Health Week is a key date in the mental health calendar. It's important to promote positive mental wellbeing at this time, particularly as the days are getting shorter and winter is approaching. This can be a difficult time for some, so activities which focus our attention on positive mental health are vital."