Press

Press Release

October 2006  

Local groups host annual mental health week celebration

Local mental health groups across West Sussex came together yesterday to celebrate World Mental Health Day(10th October)launching a week of exciting and informative events across the region.

National charity United Response is joining the Western Sussex PCT and other local organisations to host the week. United Response is a national charity supporting local people with mental health needs or learning disabilities to live the lives they choose.

Highlights of the week include:

Tuesday 10th October:

10.30am - 3pm - World Mental Health Day Information Event,Hotham Arts Centre (The Alexander Theatre), Bognor Regis. Complementary therapy taster sessions, sign language demonstrations, handmade crafts, tombola, information stands and lots, lots more!

Wednesday 11th October:

11am - Sponsored Seafront Walk, meet at DJ’s Café Bar, Little High Street, Bognor. Get fit and raise money at the same time! Contact Saundra Trebble for sponsorship forms (see below). The event will be followed by a ‘healthy lunch’ at DJ’s.

Thursday 12th October:

10am – 1pm - Midhurst Information Day and Crafts,The Resource Centre, Midhurst. Find out about local mental health services and treat yourself to some handmade crafts.

Friday 13th October:

10.30am – 4pm - Chichester Relaxation and Stress Busting Day, The Assembly Rooms, North Street, Chichester. An opportunity to beat your stress with a variety of relaxing and fun techniques. Organised in Partnership with the Western Sussex PCT.

11am – 2pm - Midhurst Information Day and Crafts, The Grange, Midhurst. Another opportunity to find out about local mental health services and to buy some local crafts.

Sunday 15th October:

11am – 1pm - The Big Pyramid Band Sunday Celebration, Sainsbury’s, Chichester. Enjoy the sounds of the Big Pyramid Band as they play all your favourites at this celebratory fundraising and information event.

Gold and Black ribbons commemorating World Mental Health Day will be on sale throughout the week, with all donations going to local mental health groups.

Carole McHugh who heads up UR’s mental health work West Sussex said:

“With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health need at sometime in their life, it’s really important that we all look after our mental health.

“Mental health week is a great way for everyone to find out more about the services available locally, while having fun.”

To receive a full programme of events, please contact Saundra Trebble from West Sussex MIND Advocacy on 01243 791906 or 07973 330276.

- Ends -

For more information please contact Sarah Bartlett or Jaime Gill in the United Response Press Office on020 8246 5237/ 020 8246 5122 or email

Notes to Editors:

  1. Statistics from the Mental Health Foundation show that 1 in 4 people experience some form of mental health problem in the course of a year. Source: Mental Health Foundation, 1999
  2. United Response is a national charity working with people with mental health needs or learning disabilities throughout England.
  3. Through its outreach and supported housing work UR supports people with mental health needs in West Sussex to live full and independent lives in the community.
  4. UR works with each person to help them become more confident and independent and to empower them to make choices and decisions about how they want to live their lives.
  5. UR works in partnership with other local providers to deliver the support each person needs.