Celebrating World Mental Health Day – Thursday 10 October 2019

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in Mental health, News on 1st October, 2019

What are you doing for World Mental Health Day? We’ve heard about a few community events taking place in Exeter. 

Time to Change events

Time to Change, the national campaign against mental health stigma and discrimination, is hosting two free events in Exeter:

Creative workshops exploring our mental health stories 
Thursday 10 October 2019
1pm-5pm
Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS

Too often, mental health issues such as self-injury are under- or miss-represented in cultural narratives. By finding our voices and using them to share our experiences, we can change the ways our stories are told.

'Creative Writing' is a 60-minute writing workshop, exploring the ways the language, writing and perspectives involved in telling our mental health stories.

'Art Space' is a 60-minute open art space, using different mediums to explore our mental health stories.

The minimum age for these workshops is 18.

To find out more and register click here.

Panel discussion: How do cultural representations of mental health issues match up to lived experience?

Thursday 10 October
7pm-9pm
The Wellcome Centre Open Space, Exeter University, Exeter, EX4 4QH

This panel discussion will involve videos, research and testimonies from young people with lived experience of mental health issues. A chance for people to talk about the relationship between media representations of mental health issues and lived experience, as well as how we can look out for ourselves and each other.

To find out more and register click here.

‘Let's Chalk About Mental Health’

Thursday 10 October 2019
Bedford Square, Exeter

Come and write message of hope and inspiration in chalk on the streets of Exeter to support those who may be struggling with mental health problems. That's the idea behind the 'Let's Chalk About Mental Health' campaign – aimed at stopping stigma, supporting sufferers of mental illness and starting conversations around mental health and suicide.

On Thursday 10 October, between 9.30am and 7pm, everyone will be invited to chalk their messages at an event in Bedford Square, Princesshay shopping centre. Local mental health and suicide prevention charities among them The Samaritans, Pete's Dragons and Andy's Man Club will be there offering support along with the university of Exeter Wellbeing Services. Kicking off the chalking in style will be urban community artist, Miss*C and concept artist L P Edits. There will be a special appearance by Devon's Lala choir.

In addition to the events in Princesshay, people will be chalking their messages in their own spaces across the region everywhere from gyms, rugby clubs and barbers shops through to schools and businesses. However, you don't have to be part of an organised event to take part. You can chalk your message on your own front doorstep.

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