Packed programme for Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week as events go virtual

Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week will be held virtually this year, with a full and varied programme planned.
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Usually, the annual occasion brings together a large number of charities and organisations in one place, turning Offington Park Methodist Church into an information centre for the week.

This time, in the eighth year, things will have to be done differently but there are still a number of groups involved, with live streaming on Facebook.

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Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday, October 5, to Saturday, October 10, and it launches, as usual, with the lighting of a peace candle.

Launching last year's Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week, 
DDawn Carn, minister of Offington Park Methodist Church lights the candle, with Hazel Thorpe, Bob Smytherman, Carol Barber and Val Turner. Picture: Kate Shemilt ks190553-1Launching last year's Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week, 
DDawn Carn, minister of Offington Park Methodist Church lights the candle, with Hazel Thorpe, Bob Smytherman, Carol Barber and Val Turner. Picture: Kate Shemilt ks190553-1
Launching last year's Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week, DDawn Carn, minister of Offington Park Methodist Church lights the candle, with Hazel Thorpe, Bob Smytherman, Carol Barber and Val Turner. Picture: Kate Shemilt ks190553-1

Carol Barber, co-founder, said: “One of the most valuable aspects of the week is the opportunity for local charities and organisations to have a stand in our information centre.

“Although this cannot happen this year, we are pleased that a number of local groups, including Cycall, Citizens Advice, Acorn Pregnancy Counselling Service and The Treasure Basket, will be joining us in a series of ‘in conversation’ sessions.

“These will be live-streamed to Facebook and provide an opportunity for them to talk about the services they provide and how they can be contacted.”

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Some of the discussions and workshops will be ticketed events, open to all and free but with places reserved via Eventbrite.

The programme promotes self care and resilience, with sessions on mindfulness, healthy sleep, the benefits of laughter and the importance of green spaces and friendships.

Worthing Samaritans will host three sessions, where volunteers will talk about their work and answer questions.

Liz Riach, director, said: “This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted more than ever the importance of mental health and Worthing Samaritans is proud to again be part of this significant event.

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“Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide, which is why we are available 24/7 to talk to those who need us.

“Worthing Mental Health Awareness week is an opportunity for people to find out more about our work and for us to talk about the role we play in this vital area.”

Carol said the Worthing Samaritans sessions had been planned on different days and at different times in order to reach as many people as possible. These live streams will be on Tuesday, October 6, at 7.30pm, Wednesday, October 7, at 11.15am, and Saturday, October 10 at 1.30pm.

Dementia will be the focus for Thursday, October 8, with a virtual dementia cafe and activities for people to join in from home. Members of Worthing Town Cryers, a group run by people who have lived experience of dementia, will talk about the additional challenges they have faced during lockdown.

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World Mental Health Day will be marked on Saturday, October 10, with a virtual Afternoon Tea at Three hosted by The Glamour Club.

Janice Moth, club founder, said: “What better way to celebrate the end of a fantastic week. Prepare yourselves for a treat and great night out during the day, with live music from the delightful Karen Etherington and former Mind trustee Dr Peter Ridge, who will entertain us with our favourite songs from 40s to 70s.”

The aim of the week is to challenge the stigma around mental health and to provide good-quality information in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

Bob Smytherman, co-founder and master of ceremonies, said: “I am very grateful to Worthing Community Chest, Stacey from Lime Pixel and Melanie Peters from Rocket Social Media, who have supported the event every year, and all the contributors who have helped us adapt this year’s event to enable us to move everything online.”

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