Introducing Health and Wellbeing Suffolk!

Next week sees the official launch of Health and Wellbeing Suffolk, a fantastic new partnership dedicated to keeping the county healthy. The joint venture will begin its work by leading the way in World Mental Health Day celebrations.

Health and Wellbeing Suffolk sees VASP (a Voluntary and Statutory Partnership of around 60 mental health organisations) join forces with Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Ipswich Town FC Community Trust, Suffolk Libraries and the All Being Well Roadshow.

World Mental Health Day events will be hosted in conjunction with Time to Change's national 'Get Moving Week' between October 3^rd and 10^th. Full details of all the events will be available at www.keepaneyeout.co.uk.

Hazel Pidsley, VASP Chair said: "All the partners of the Suffolk Voluntary and Statutory Partnership for Mental Health are delighted that this new partnership has been formed and promoted on World Mental Health Day. It will give many people the chance to take part in activities that will increase their feelings of wellbeing."

Highlights include the chance to grab a free smoothie of your choice at the Arc Shopping Centre in Bury St Edmunds on the 7^th or join the fun as four teams play a mini football tournament at Portman Road in Ipswich on the 8^th.

The 9^th sees the annual World Mental Health Day art exhibition at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre, Ipswich which showcases art produced by various mental health group users.

Hazel added: "With so many different activities across the county it will make a real impact on reducing the stigma of mental ill heath."

Suffolk County Council's Library service will be holding a series of events in Bury St Edmunds, Gainsborough and Beccles libraries to mark the day. 

Beccles Library is hosting a two week programme of Health and Wellbeing activities from 5^th to 16^th October. Councillor Rosie Clarke, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for Sport, culture, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing explains more about these events:

"The aim of staging these Health and Wellbeing activities in Beccles library is to help create a greater understanding and subsequently acceptance on mental illness.

"The programme during this fortnight will focus on raising awareness as well as informing and encouraging the public to come forward to find support should they need it."

In addition to this, on 9^th October at  Gainsborough library, Ipswich and on the 10^th in Bury St Edmunds library, the public can borrow 'Living Books' - people who have personal knowledge and stories to share about mental health.

All events are free to attend. For more details please go to the website www.keepaneyeout.co.uk where you can also find links to all the organisations involved.