York Mind, the leading mental health charity in the city, is helping to organise a number of events to mark World Mental Health Day on Thursday October 10.
By kind permission from the City of York Council, York Mind is hosting a bucket collection and a sponsored static cycle ride in Parliament Street, with participants from the local community and a trained fitness instructor on hand.
Meanwhile on Thursday Sycamore House on Clarence Street, York, will be re-launched as a Mental Health Resource and Reader Café.
This joint project between the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the City of York Council will provide extended job opportunities to trainees on a mental health recovery programme and generate income. Opening times are 11am – 3pm, entry is free and everyone is welcome.
York St John University are also holding a Mental Health Awareness Day. This will involve campus-wide activity featuring the Students Union, York St John Active, Student Services, Occupational Therapy and York Mind.
York Mind is also hosting an information stand in the Northern House building at Network Rail, aimed at raising money for, and awareness of, mental health.
This drop-in stand will provide advice for all York-based Network Rail employees. Network Rail employees can also raise money for York Mind by taking part in a Wear It Blue day on Thursday.
“One in four people will experience mental ill-health at some point in their lifetime and 25 per cent of drugs prescribed on the NHS are for a mental health problem,” said Holly Pollard of York Mind.
“World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity for local people to get active, raise awareness of mental health and raise much-needed funds for York Mind. These events show that York is embracing the day and getting involved.
“On a personal level, being involved with a local charity means that I see the real difference the money makes, every day. It doesn’t simply contribute to a national pot – the funds raised are spent helping people you work with, are friends with, your next door neighbour or perhaps even you one day.”
- For further information, please contact Holly Pollard on 01904 643364