Today at The Brentwood Centre, the Brentwood Mental Health Fair was taking place to celebrate new mental health initiatives being introduced by statutory, voluntary and commercial organisations across the borough and county.
Right at the end of One 3 Three, the team popped into the studio with Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles who had been supporting the event. So to give them all a fair hearing, I hijacked the start of Mikey Porter’s Drive show! Thanks Mike!
We spoke about the event, you can listen here –
From major positive changes to local NHS services and the introduction of the Mental Health Challenge for Local Government, to the introduction of the free peer support groups and free mental health first aid training – Brentwood is actively becoming a ‘Mentally Friendly’ borough. With over thirty organisations and community groups coming together to help promote awareness of mental health services and activities, the fair will offer something for everyone. If something is missing, the fair can help to start a conversation to locate existing services, develop new ideas, and fill the gaps in service provision and support. Sponsored by Brentwood Leisure Trust and Essex County Council, the new Fitness in Mind™ programme will be launched to the national press and local community – with demonstrations and activities by qualified instructors and peer support workers with lived experience of mental ill health. The six-week support fitness programme will encourage people with experience of mental ill health or mental distress to develop activities that help with their physical and mental well being. Only one in three of us meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity, and only one in ten with a mental health issue. Yet staying physically active promotes wellbeing and better mental health. It can lift your mood, reduce stress, help you deal with negative emotions and even help with anxiety and depression – plus physical activity can be fun! For further information contact Nicky Smith on 01277 215151 or email nicky.smith@brentwoodleisure.co.uk
