R U OK? A new mental health campaign for Leicestershire

Date: Thursday, September 24th 2015
Categories: All Leicestershire Leicester Activities & Events

We're supporting R U OK? Day - a multi-agency event to raise awareness of how a kind word or quick conversation can help lift the mood of someone who might be feeling low.

Organisations from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be on Leicester Railway Station on Thursday 8 October 'making connections' for World Mental Health Day, under the banner of Change Your Mind.

Scores of volunteers will be mingling with passengers between 7am and 7pm, with the aim of engaging people in 30 second conversations.

Event co-ordinator Matthew Wakely, a mental health team manager from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), explained:

“What we want to convey is a very simple concept. Letting someone know you are there, sharing a cup of tea and listening, sending a text message, giving some time to someone, are all ways every one of us can help."

There will be a central information point close to the station entrance where travellers can pick up information about organisations who offer help, and a quiet area where people can have a more in-depth discussion if they wish to. Plus, commuters will be offered free bookmarks signposting them to a new dedicated Change Your Mind website, which outlines the aims of the campaign and provides information about sources of support.

It's hoped the R U OK? event will kick start an ongoing multi-agency Change Your Mind mental health awareness campaign, complimenting existing campaigns such as Time for Change and Rethink Your Mind.

R U OK? is part of a week of activities supported by organisations across Leicestershire and Rutland in the week of World Mental Health Day (10 October): The line up includes: Monday 5 October - Bake Off event at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s Mett Centre; Tuesday 6 October - Speak out stand in Leicester market; Wednesday 7 October - Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre event; Thursday 8 October - Network / LAMP Social Evening at Regents Club and Social Media Cafe; Saturday 10 October - Highcross Mental Health Day pop up shop event.

To find out more call Sheila Ashton, communications manager, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust on 0116 295 0042 or email [email protected]

You can follow Change Your Mind on Twitter @CYM_LLR