Two fantastic community events have been organised as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year runs from Monday 9 May to Sunday 15 May.
The official theme for the annual awareness-raising event is ‘loneliness.’
Each of the planned sessions are offering residents the chance to build meaningful connections with groups running locally, as well as taking part in some free, fun activities.
The events, which will take place in Irvine and Springside, have been organised by a range of partners including North Ayrshire Community Link Workers, the Green Health Partnership, Irvine Community Development Team, KA Leisure, Impact Arts, Children 1st and the Harbour Arts Centre.
The first session – ‘Well-being Matters’ – will run at the Portal in Irvine on Wednesday 11 May from 1pm to 4pm and will include free physical health checks from KA Leisure.
There will also be stands from CLASPS, mPower Digital Navigator, the Umbrella Project, Fullarton Community Hub, Irvine Community Learning and Development, Impact Arts, North Ayrshire Community Link Workers, Christians Against Poverty, Turning Point Scotland, Helping Hands, the Breastfeeding Network, The Ayrshire Community Trust, the Care Improvement Network, Crossing Together, Trinity Active Travel Hub and Eglinton Park Countryside Rangers.
In addition, a number of activities have been scheduled at the following times:
- 1pm: Make Space (Impact Arts well-being sessions for ages 16 to 26) at The Portal
- 2pm: 60-minute health walk at The Circuit
- 30pm: 30-minute stress less session with KA Leisure at The Portal
- 3pm: 30-minute keep fit session at The Portal
- 3pm: 15-minute health walks at The Circuit
Then on Saturday 14 May, the second event will take place at Springside Community Centre from 10.30am to 3pm.
‘Springside Matters’ will also offer free physical health checks from KA Leisure and stalls hosted by Fullarton Community Hub, Impact Arts, CLASPS, Children 1st, the Care Improvement Network, North Ayrshire Community Link Workers and Irvine Community Learning Development Team.
In addition, there will be a number of family-friendly activities on offer throughout the day, including the mobile youth centre, arts and crafts for kids, theTad Pool activity centre for under 5s, face painting and Green Health Partnership nature activities. Food and drinks will be available.
The following timed activities will also take place:
- 11am: Show – That’s not a Jellyfish
- 30pm: 30-minute fun family keep fit session
- 2pm: 15-minute stress less session
- 45pm: 30-minute family walk
All are welcome to come along.
Looking after your own health and wellbeing
Don’t forget, your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. Remember, the Council also has a team of Wellbeing Warriors on hand to provide a listening ear, offer support and signpost you to relevant resources available.
The BeWell section of LiveWell, also recognises the wide range of topics that impact on wellbeing including information on Mental health and Wellbeing and Mindfulness.
Finally, the Mental Health Foundation website has a range of content for looking after your mental health as does the NHS website, we’ve also included a helpful round-up of health and wellbeing tips for Spring in the recent Staff Talk article here.
Be kind to yourself and consider getting in touch with your GP who will be able to give you practical advice and help if you are struggling with your mental health.