Edenbridge picks up international award
The first ever World Mental Health Day in Edenbridge has been a resounding success after scooping a prestigious international honour.
The event was announced as a runner up in the World Mental Health Federation's Richard C. Hunter Mental Health Day award for promoting mental and physical wellbeing across the lifespan.
World Mental Health Day, which took place on 10 October at Edenbridge Leisure Centre, was co-ordinated by local agencies and organisations as part of an annual worldwide campaign supported by the World Federation for Mental Health.
The free event was attended by around 100 people of all ages. The aim of the day was to help people to understand the relationship between physical and mental health, to celebrate good practice and reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
25 local organisations, community groups and agencies had display stands with information about physical, mental and emotional wellbeing to help promote the fact that one in four people suffer from mental health problems at some point in their lives. There was an opportunity also to take part in activities such as basketball, a health walk and pilates.
Cllr Felicity Broomby, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet member with responsibility for Healthy Living, says: "I am delighted that all the hard work and planning that went into organising this event has been recognised in this way. Considering this was an international award it is a tremendous achievement, and I would like to thank all our partners and everyone who attended the event for making it such a success."
The event was organised by the Edenbridge Emotional Health Forum, which is made up of a number of local partners including, South West Kent Primary Care Trust, Sevenoaks District Council, Sevenoaks MIND, West Kent Housing, Edenbridge Volunteer Centre, Sencio Community and CARE Kent.
This year's World Mental Health Day is currently being organised for 11am to 4pm on 10 October at Edenbridge Leisure Centre, and will include displays, talks and alternative therapy taster sessions.
For more information contact Hayley Brooks at Sevenoaks District Council on 01732 227000.
