Swindon, UK - Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind (S&G Mind), in collaboration with various local partners and the Swindon Mental Health Alliance is launching a series of free workshops and art sessions to promote Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mental Health Awareness Week will be taking place between 12 -18 May 2025, and the theme for 2025 is ‘Community'.
Activities will range from Community Wellbeing Workshops to art sessions and wellbeing drop-ins. The week will culminate in The Ageing Well festival at Town Gardens, Swindon.
*One in four of us will experience a mental health problem at some point each year. Adults and young people feel their wellbeing is getting worse with adults also reportedly feeling lonelier. Research shows that being part of a safe, positive community is key to good mental health and wellbeing and reinforces our connections with other people.
S&G Mind offers a range of specialist services to help people stay well by looking after their mental and physical health. It is dedicated to providing individuals with the relevant support and information they need to assist in accessing essential services.
Hazel Howe, CEO, S&G Mind, said: ‘’Mental Health Awareness Week is an extremely important time for our charity and the partners we work with. Our mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. By focusing on communities, we hope to provide a sense of belonging, safety, and support during tough times.
‘’We are very pleased to be working with partners across Swindon to realise this and are offering a range of activities open to all to encourage these connections. We know that a strong community provides a vital sense of belonging, in which people feel connected and supported by those around them and can provide practical help.’’
Sessions open to the public are:
Monday 12 May - Boxes of Hope, Gorse Hill – 11am -2pm - Art activity 'My Community' - exploring what supports your wellbeing in your community. Entrance free.
Tuesday 13 May - Twigs - Community Wellbeing Workshop – 11am - 12:30pm book on Eventbrite: @Twigs
Wednesday 14 May - 10:30am-2pm - The Hub - Community wellbeing drop-in with information and an art session – Book via Eventbrite: @TheHub
Saturday 17 May - Ageing Well festival - 1-4pm - Town Gardens, Swindon, SN1 4EX. This event will celebrate and explore activities that support mental health and wellbeing including ‘Singing for the Brain’, Art Therapy and Park Yoga. Entrance free.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity to highlight the vital role community plays in supporting our wellbeing. As a Council, we are proud to support local partners to in delivering programme of events and activities that help people feel connected, supported and empowered to talk about mental health.
“Everyone who requires support with their mental health should be able to access it. That’s why we are funding specialist mental health training for local barbers, in partnership with Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind and PAPYRUS, as part of our ongoing commitment to early intervention and suicide prevention. Barbers are in a unique position to notice when someone might be struggling, and this training will give them the skills and confidence to spot the signs and signpost people to support.
“It’s one example of how we’re working with local organisations to build a fairer Swindon, where everyone feels supported and no one has to face mental health challenges alone.”
Julie Mattinson, Director, IPSUM said: ‘’It's important that during MHAW, we showcase what support is on offer within our community. Breaking down barriers and stigma helps to normalise those conversations that can be difficult to articulate.’’
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