SpeakupCIC celebrates World Mental Health Day, 10 October

10 October 2011 was World Mental Health Day, a yearly event celebrated around the world. It is the biggest day in the calendar for mental health. One-in-four people around the world will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. It is a time to remember that mental health and physical health go hand in hand. Good Mental Health and physical exercise can make a big difference to our wellbeing. This is why organisations such as SpeakupCIC organise regular activities for local people, working to end the stigma and discrimination often directed towards people with mental health issues.

This year, on Wednesday 12th October, Speakup CIC organised a fun walk by the sea. After a photo shoot and briefing, groups of people set out to walk along the promenade, marching in solidarity to show that mental ill health sufferers are like anyone else – in fact one in four, as Ruby Wax famously advertises for our cause. The weather was lovely and the group of 20 or so people united in a common cause could be seen making its way along the promenade to St Mildred’s Bay for a well-earned cup of tea and chat.

Speakup CIC (formerly Rethink East Kent User Forum) is a community interest company which aims to provide support, information and to give a voice to mental health service users in Thanet Dover Deal and Ashford. For more information about the organisation call 01843 609359 or visit the website http://www.speakupcic.co.uk/