By IW Observer.co.uk
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is hosting an outdoor public event to mark Mental Health Awareness Week on May 12.
The event will be held at the duck pond, opposite South Block at St Mary’s Hospital, and will run from 11am – 3pm.
One-in-four adults and one-in-ten children experience mental illness during their lifetime, and the Island’s providers of mental health services are coming together to share what is available to improve wellbeing.
The Trust has worked with partners and local providers to bring together more than 20 local community groups and organisations who provide a range of advice and services which both support people when they are struggling but also provide opportunities and ideas to thrive.
Some of the organisations that will be attending are Carers IW, Citizen’s Advice Isle of Wight, WOW Isle of Wight Woman’s Centre and Nature Therapy community interest group.
Rachael Middle, clinical quality improvement lead, said: “Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for everyone to focus on achieving good mental health, and this year’s theme is ‘loneliness’.
“Many of us have been able to reconnect with our loved ones in person again after a difficult two years of pandemic restrictions; however, we know that many people felt lonely and isolated long before the pandemic and still struggle with this.”
Everyone is welcome at the event, and can drop in at any time to look around the stalls and speak to the service providers.
Visitors 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 but very limited, so if possible please use public transport.
Isle of Wight Observer