Mental Health Conference in Haywards Heath a 'huge success'

‘With You In Mind: 25 Years of Better Mental Health' was a free, all-day public conference for members of the public to find out about the various local mental health support services available. The day was a huge success with more than 500 people coming through the doors of Clair Hall, Haywards Heath. It was a partnership between Together in Sussex, Sussex Oakleaf, Mid Sussex District Council, Avtrade and Clarion Futures.

One in four of us is likely to experience a mental health issue this year. ‘With You in Mind’ proved that coming together as a community helps to create better mental health opportunities for all in Sussex.

Workshops and activities ran throughout the day, designed to be customer friendly. Visitors were encouraged to get involved, with topics including: coping with anxiety, spotting and training the Black Dog, looking at some of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in yourself, and ways to manage your depression.

People left with smiles on their faces, full bellies and wads of information on local services and support. Positive feedback included: ‘incredibly helpful’, ‘good to be able to attend a safe space with organisations that can help’, ‘the free breakfast, lunch and tea was much appreciated’, ‘pop up art exhibition excellent’ and ‘smoothie bike fun’.

The Community Wellbeing Café, based at St Saviour’s Church, Eastbourne, hired a minibus to bring their group to the event. They had great fun at the conference and lots of excitement on the bus journey, there and back.

Please contact us should you like assistance making your church more mental health-friendly.