Patients and staff are embracing World Mental Health Day through sport, baking and discussion groups.
The West London Mental Health NHS Trust participated in events today (October 10) for the annual day aimed at educating people on mental health and reducing the stigma that often surrounds conditions , with this year’s theme being ‘living with schizophrenia’.
People have been enjoying a garden party at the Wolsey Wing at St Bernards Hospital, Ealing, as well as a badminton tournament at the site’s gym.
Also going on today is a friendly five-a-side football match with patients, staff and officers from the Metropolitan Police at the mental health unit on the Charing Cross Hospital site, while patients and staff at the Back on Track psychological therapies service in White City are hosting a baking competition with a mental health theme.
Service users have been discussing what it is like living with schizophrenia as well as how recovery groups work, and a stand has been positioned in Ealing Hospital highlighting the mental health services.
The trust’s chief executive Steve Shrubb said: “World Mental Health Day is an important date in our calendar.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for people to talk about mental health, understand the impact of stigma and why we all need to be more understanding so people are not afraid to ask for help when they most need it.
“It also gives us an opportunity to do all we can to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness while engaging and working together with our patients, carers, partners and local people so they can hear more about our services and work.”
