People in Liverpool will be treated to a free, fun-filled event on Thursday 10th October; 11.00am – 5.00pm in Williamson Square to celebrate World Mental Health Day.
Funded by Liverpool City Council and co-ordinated by Liverpool Mental Health Consortium in partnership with a wide range of local organisations including the Community Health Ambassador Team and Threshold Festival, attractions throughout the day will demonstrate the power of art and culture in overcoming distress and achieving happiness.
World Mental Health Day is observed in more than 100 countries and is supported by the United Nations and World Health Organisation. It aims to raise awareness of mental distress and promote positive wellbeing.
Councillor Roz Gladden, Liverpool Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Mental health difficulties can affect anyone, with one in four of us experiencing difficulties at some point in our lives.
“Despite this, people experiencing distress still face prejudice, discrimination and exclusion. Therefore it is important that we continue to work with everyone in the city to promote ways to improve our wellbeing, challenge stigma and support those who are experiencing mental health problems”.
The free event will be officially opened at 11.00am by Gary Millar, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, and will include performances from the wonderful Dave O’Grady Trio, international touring act Snowapple, local hip-hop talent Jamie Broad, inspirational community choir Raucous Caucus Recovery Chorus and a teamed up dance performance by Movema and BrazUKa. The highlight of the day will be a performance from a specially formed World Mental Health Day community choir.
Mike Rigelsford, a trustee for the Liverpool Mental Health Consortium Trustee, said: “The World Mental Health Day events demonstrate that it is possible to get support to help you live well after or with mental distress.
“As an organisation we ensure that the voices of those experiencing mental distress can be heard. Performers on the day will include people who lead creative lives in spite of, and because of, the mental distress they have lived through.”
Also throughout the day there will be activities, wellbeing sessions and advice points in Williamson Square and at Liverpool Central Library. Come along for information on how to access support and improve wellbeing.
Other events promoting positive mental health are taking place within various communities and venues, including Liverpool Central Library, the Communiversity (Altcross Road, L11), The City of Liverpool College and Liverpool John Moores University.
For more information on the all the day’s events – and other events happening during the week – you can download a flyer at:
