Events are being staged in London’s East End today aimed at getting rid of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health.
A campaign by the Time to Change charity highlights how making a big difference in someone’s life could be as simple as having a cup of tea and a chat.
The campaign is backed by Tower Hamlets Council’s public health director Somen Banerjee, who said: “This is a chance to show the importance of having open conversations about your health.”
The local authority signed a pledge on last year’s World Mental Health Day, together with east London’s Mind charity and Tower Hamlets Homes, to wipe out discrimination. As many as one-in-four people in Britain are affected by mental health issues, it points out.
Three public events are being staged. Patients who have used mental health services are at Whitechapel Idea Store from 10am to 5pm to share their stories and exhibit their photographic work, while Mind holds informal chats at Bethnal Green’s One Stop Shop, 10am-4pm. Community Options charity is running a stall at Bow Idea Store in Roman Road Market, 10am-5pm, with quizzes, while professional advisers are on hand for informal chats and to give information about support services in east London.
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