Health In Mind Event!

Laughter yoga proved a hit!

Health in Mind, a partnership between AMH, Libraries NI, Cause, Mindwise and Aware Defeat Depression held a celebratory event to mark World Mental Health Day in Finaghy Library.

The 5 partner organisations are funded through the Big Lottery Fund Live and Learn Programme, and worked together to celebrate a day which is marked annually across the world.

Guests had the opportunity to browse a range of information stands highlighting the practical support that is available to people with mental health issues and their carers.  There were talks on a range of wellbeing themes from Nutrition – Mood & Food to Stress Management and Relaxation; there were also taster sessions of Laughter Yoga and Zumba to enjoy and Rhythm and Rhyme for the children.  Patricia Canning from the Reader Organisation also read aloud from inspiring and thought-provoking books.

 

In Northern Ireland, it is estimated that one in four people have or will have a mental illness at some point in their lives so we are all likely to know someone who is affected by it.  This event showcased some of the many services provided by the community and voluntary sector including what libraries have in terms of accessible, up–to–date and relevant information on how to improve your mental health.  

Frances Dowds, Health in Mind Project Manager said,

“It is important for us to demonstrate to people that they are not alone when suffering or caring for a family member with a mental illness.  Days like this allow us to reach out into communities and talk opening to people about poor mental health; we hope that by working together we can send a positive message into society about what we can do to support people through their illness, to help them recover and to promote self-care as a way of reducing the chances of recurrence.”

www.yourhealthinmind.org