World Mental Health Day events - a practical guide to improving your mental wellbeing

A series of events aimed at improving mental wellbeing have been organised in the run up to World Mental Health Day by the Mental Health Promotion Network.

The events, entitled 'Improving your wellbeing: a really practical guide', are aimed at health professionals, voluntary and community groups and those with an interest in mental health promotion and will take place across the five Health and Social Care Trusts between 7 and 10 October.

Key note speaker Dr Nick Baylis, a Cambridge University wellbeing lecturer, therapist and author, said: "Wellbeing is a well-rounded, well-balanced way of life which enables individuals, and the world around us, to thrive and flourish. At the seminars we will consider how we can bring wellbeing principles and strategies into our relationships, our home life, and our workplace. There are no sure-fire answers but this is a chance to compare notes and explore some very promising possibilities."

Deirdre McNamee, Senior Manager for Public Health at the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, said: "Mental health should be a priority for everyone as no-one is immune to poor mental health. We hope that as well as getting some practical tips and advice on improving their own mental wellbeing, those who attend will come away with a greater awareness and understanding of how to cope with the everyday challenges we all face which have the potential to impact on our mental health."

Details of the events are as follows:

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust - Tuesday 7 October, from 9.30am at Knockbracken Hall, Knockbracken Healthcare Park. Contact Margaret Woods on Tel: 028 9041 7443 or Maria Morgan on Tel: 028 9056 4941.

Western Health and Social Care Trust - Tuesday 7 October, 2.30pm - 5.30pm at Silver Birches Hotel, Omagh. Contact Marie Dunne Tel: 028 7186 5127.

Southern Health and Social Care Trust - Wednesday 8 October, 9.15am - 1pm, at the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown. Contact: Angela Corr on Tel: 028 3741 2424.

Northern Health and Social Care Trust - Thursday 9 October, 10am - 1pm at the Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena (Trust staff only - limited spaces left). Contact Jayne McConaghie on Tel: 028 2563 5575.

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust - Friday 10 October, 9:30am -1pm at the Great Hall, Downshire, Downpatrick. Contact: Fiona Molloy on Tel: 028 91510182. .

ENDS