Warminster: Wiltshire Council joins in World Mental Health day campaign

Wiltshire Council is hoping to raise awareness of mental health in Wiltshire today as part of World Mental Health Day. 

The day has been launched to give people more information about mental health and encourage new ways to care for people suffering from mental health difficulties. 

Various organisations across Wiltshire have been working together to create the awareness.

The campaign which is being promoted through leaflets, booklets and posters aims to give people a better understanding of mental health and provide tips on how to combat mental illnesses. 

Maggie Rae, Corporate Director of public health and public protection for Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire said: "This campaign includes a range of practical and local suggestions to support and help people, including organising activities such as walking groups, courses and volunteering."

"The great thing about these tips is that it reminds us that even a small change in our daily lives can make a big difference to our health and well being."

The awareness was first introduced by the World Health Organisation. 

Jayne Turner, from Wiltshire Mind said: "I think having an awareness day for mental health is a positive step in fighting against the stigmas of mental health."

"Although I believe there is a long way to go in society accepting that mental health is an illness like any other and giving people who suffer this illness the support and recognition they deserve."

Around 154 million people around the world have been diagnosed with depression.

"Speaking personally as someone who has suffered with depression, to just be acknowledged that at times life can be difficult would be amazing," Jayne Turner added.

For more information about mental health and advice visit the Wiltshire Mind website here.