World Mental Health Day 2008

10 October 2008

World Mental Health Day (WMHD) logo red Many of our services and groups organized events on the day including market stalls, film screenings, 5-a-side football, music and poetry readings. A big thank you to everyone who took part. Nationally Rethink also published the findings of a YouGov survey it commissioned especially for the day.

Rethink national press release: repossession is mental threat

In the current economic downturn a YouGov survey commissioned by Rethink for World Mental Health Day shows that almost 50% of the country fears loosing their home would be the event that caused them to be affected by mental illness. This led to widespread media coverage including BBC News online / BBC World service / BBC Asian Network / The Times / The Guardian / The Daily Mirror and even Buffalo New York News 24 TV website !. View Rethink's press release here.

Regional events and press coverage

BBC Radio Devon Countrywide Breakfast 29 Sep – 3 Oct. Rethink supported housing services in North Devon were featured in daily 2 minute broadcasts in the run up to World Mental Health Day.

Football Notts County website - 10 October. Notts county FC manager, Ian McParlane took part in a mental health question and answer session at an event organized by Rethink on 12 October.

WMHD 2008 Photo by Claire Puller of SURF A photography exhibition reflecting stories of mental illness recovery, by Claire Puller of SURF, opened in Tavistock on the 29th September.

Rethink Good Companions, based in South Essex, held a stall at Pitsea Market and were also featured in the Southend Echo on their amazing Blendavenda bicycle.

WMHD 2008 Ashfield & Mansfield suported housing stand Ashfield & Mansfield Supported Housing had a stand in their local shopping centre promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Harrow Support Group and Harrow Rethink Recovery House shared a stall and fundraised.

WMHD 2008 Bexley Bexley Floating Support shared a stall in Bexleyheath town centre to raise awareness of mental health issues.

WMHD 2008 Springfield Advocacy Service Springfield Advocacy Service took part in events including poetry reading and art work displays.

WMHD 2008 Leicestershire Focusline attended event organised by Akwaaba Ayeh Leicestershire Focusline attended an event, including theatre, hosted by African and Caribbean organisation Akwaaba Ayeh.

WMHD 2008 Bournemouth & Poole Bournemouth and Poole services promoted and celebrated World Mental Health Day over 4 days and 4 different localities.

WMHD 2008 - West Dorset music event at the Kiosk West Dorset services celebrated World Mental Health Day at the Oasis Kiosk with a service user band playing to members of the public.