World Mental Health Day in Barnet

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk openly about how you are feeling and there are a events happening all over the country to encourage people to share their tips for improving wellbeing.

Barnet will be celebrating  World Mental Health Day with free activities and food on Friday 10 October 2014.  The activities will include live music, dancing as well as presentations

The event is jointly organised by voluntary organisations, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust and Barnet Local Authority.

Dr Charlotte Benjamin, a local GP and the mental health lead at NHS Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

“Improving mental health services is one of our key priorities as a CCG. As with any health issue, it’s really important mental health issues are spotted as early as possible before they can become something more serious. It’s up to all of us to help raise awareness of mental illness and to make sure that no one has to struggle on alone.

“Mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental disorder in Britain, with almost 9% of people meeting criteria for diagnosis.

“We know that it can be hard to talk about worries or concerns, usually for fear of what others may think, so asking for help can be difficult. But if you are concerned about your mental health problem, talk to your GP, confide in a friend or visit the NHS choices mental health helplines page. Equally, if you know someone who is suffering, reach out to them and let them know that you are there to support them.”

One-in-four people will experience a mental health problem each year, worries about things like money, health, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. If you are struggling then there is help available and the first step is to talk to your GP.

Barnet is one of the first places in the country to offer online therapy from PsychologyOnline for people with depression or anxiety.

This is very confidential and all you need is a mobile phone or computer with internet access to receive support from an experienced psychotherapist in your own home.  You don’t need to travel or even to meet the therapist face-to-face.

Date and time of event:

Friday 10th October 2014 13.00 – 17.00
Hendon Lane , St Mary's Church Hall
Finchley N3 1TS

More information
http://www.beh-mht.nhs.uk/