The Hammersmith and Fulham branch of Mind set up a stall in Hammersmith as part of World Mental Health Day .
The lgroup spent the day at Lyric Square, where staff and volunteers raised money and discussed mental health issues with members of the public.
It hopes events such as this will help break down stigma still attached to mental health illnesses.
Among those present was Parveen Ali, who was diagnosed with bipolar three years ago.
World Mental Health Day
She has personally benefitted from the work carried out by Hammersmith and Fulham Mind, saying: “I live in Shepherd’s Bush and this is my local branch. I have been helped by its befriending and advocacy service.
“I was not leaving my home, I felt incredibly low, really down and depressed.
“I was isolated in my own home.”
But things changed for the better once she contacted Mind.
She said: “It was fantastic. Without it I would not of been able to go out of my own house.
“It distracted me, going for coffees and talking about things that weren’t mental health related.
“It was really beneficial. Now I’ve moved on with my life and I’m a photojournalist.
“I’m really glad to be here today, it’s important to give something back.
“It’s an environment where I feel comfortable and where I feel people I’m not judging me.
“Events like this help break down the stigma and raise awareness on issues surrounding mental health.
“People think if you have bipolar you can’t do normal things like have a job.
“You have this label but it’s not true.”
Posters made by school children and students were propped up beside the Mind stall, with games such as Connect Four played.
Hammersmith Chess Club, which has chosen Hammersmith and Fulham Mind as its charity for the year, was also present at the event on Tuesday October 10, with passers-by stopping for a game.
Barclays Bank in Hammersmith promised to match the funds raised on the day by Hammersmith and Fulham Mind.
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