World Mental Health Day

To celebrate World Mental Health Day, Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, Public Health Redbridge and Mind Redbridge partnered to provide a remarkable series of events. The events were held at Valentines Mansion, a gorgeous grade II* listed country house nestled within picturesque historic gardens in the award winning Valentines Park.  The mansion was transformed into a safe space for talking, self expression and movement. Here are some of the things that were on offer:

1. Yoga and Meditation for relaxation: Participants engaged in a session combining yoga, physical postures, controlled breathing, and mindfulness, aiming to help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation and emotional well-being. Delivered within the Drawing Room at Valentines Mansion, this unique and beautiful setting was a fitting space to promote relaxation.

2. Mindful Arts: This session embraced the therapeutic power of arts and crafts, with activities developed to encourage individuals to take a moment of mindful expression, fostering a sense of unity and healing.

3. Tea & Talk with Public Health Redbridge: The collaboration extended its reach to the local community by providing a safe space for participants to discuss their own experiences regarding mental health and mental health services. This initiative provided immediate support to those in need and contributed to breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health conversations.

4. Mental Health Workshop with Mind Redbridge: Together with mental health experts, this wellbeing workshop focused on the ‘Three Keys To Happiness’ and featured discussion on how to promote and develop happiness within our lives. Covering topics such as anxiety management, self-care, and coping strategies, this educational session empowered attendees with practical tools for their mental well-being.

Through these collective initiatives, the collaboration between Vision Redbridge and mental health services celebrated World Mental Health Day, emphasising the importance of mental health as a universal concern, and the belief that everyone deserves access to care and support.

Alison Burford, the Head of Health & Wellbeing for Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, said, “We’re truly thrilled by the positive impact we’ve seen from our World Mental Health Day events. The wonderful support we’ve received from the community, as well as our partners in mental health services, is a testament to our joint dedication to making the world a kinder and more mentally resilient place.”

The success of these collaborative events underscores the dedication of Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure and its mental health service partners to mental health advocacy. Together, we have paved the way for future initiatives that prioritise the well-being of our community and bring us closer to a stigma-free world.