Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a problem with their mental health at some point in their life but even with statistics such as this, the stigma around mental health issues continues to persist. This is why event organiser, Canse Karatas, brought World Mental Health Day to Clarence Street in York.
With over 20 different organisations present on 10th October between 11am and 3pm, there was something useful for everyone, including support groups, helplines and a range of activity programmes. Just one of the organisations represented on the day was York Mental Health Peer Support Group, a new and independent service set up by people who suffer from mental health issues for people with mental health issues. One of their primary goals is to end the stigma surrounding mental health problems by having people talk to each other about their own experiences in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Karatas went on to state that ‘mental health issues can affect anyone at any time, which is why this event is so important; it allows local people to access services that can help them through these issues.’ She explained that ‘many people are not aware of just how many others are going through the same issues as them, which really increases the stigma around the topic’.
