News / Mental health awareness week
NHS SHETLAND has announced details of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts on Monday (5 October).
The health board will team up with local charity Mind Your Head and Samaritans to hold a World Mental Health Day coffee morning on 10 October at the Levenwick hall between 10am-12pm.
On display will be a collection of people’s stories about their own journey through mental health.
A number of group walks will be held throughout the week to promote physical activity and social interaction. They will take place at:
- Lerwick – Tuesday 6 October, 5.30pm-6pm. Meet at Lerwick Health Centre.
- Scalloway – Thursday 8 October, 1.30pm. Meet outside Scalloway pool.
- Levenwick – Saturday 10 October, 9.30am. Meet at Levenwick hall.
- West Mainland – Saturday 10 October, 2pm. Meet at end of the road in Bousta, Sandness.
NHS Shetland is also encouraging people to perform random acts of kindness to others during the week to give people a boost – however small the act may be.
A ‘Reading for Mental Health’ display will also be on show at the Lerwick Library to point locals towards literature that can increase the understanding of mental health conditions.
NHS Shetland’s health improvement practitioner Jill Hood said the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is recovery.
“Recovery doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of symptoms or coming off medication,” she added.
“It’s about taking steps forward and feeling more positive. Everyone has a role to play in looking after their own and others’ mental health so we also wanted to emphasise the everyday things we can all do that make a difference to the way someone feels; our random acts of kindness challenge has some examples of this.”
Those worried meanwhile about their mental health should contact their GP, or call the Samaritans 24/7 on their new free phone number 116 123 for a confidential chat.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.