Haringey marks World Mental Health Day with campaign (From Haringey Independent)

Haringey marks World Mental Health Day with campaign

12:36pm Monday 11th October 2010 in Health By Elizabeth Pears

A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of mental health issues was launched in Haringey today to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

It seeks to tackle ongoing misconceptions about mental illness by providing information about the different conditions as well as the prevention and treatment services available in the borough.

At a special event at Haringey Civic Centre, in High Street, Wood Green, guests will hear the campaign's three main focuses.

It includes worklessness which can be a contributing factor to poor mental health, prevention of self-harm among young people and improving access to services among vulnerable groups, those living in areas of high deprivation and ethnic minority groups.

Councillor Dilek Dogus, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "Even today, mental health still carries a stigma for many people.

"Many people are also not aware of the range of conditions that come under mental health, including depression and anxiety. Many fail to seek appropriate support.

"In particular, unemployment can have a major impact on people’s mental wellbeing, so this year there is a focus on helping people find work and training opportunities."

The campaign is a partnership between Haringey Council, NHS Haringey and the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust.

Lee Botjor, chief operating officer of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, said: "World Mental Health Day is a chance for everyone to think about how their mental health affects their daily life, and how they could improve their mental health.

"People who are out of work can also be more vulnerable to some mental illnesses, so it's a good opportunity to find out what the risk factors are and how you can combat them."

For more information on World Mental Health Day 2010, visit www.beh-mht.nhs.uk/wmhdh