To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, Blackpool’s Horizon service put on their best green outfits and enjoyed a day of awareness raising and conversation.
Horizon staff, volunteers, and clients all donned an item of green clothing to help promote the awareness week, with a buffet of pizza and snacks served to bring everyone together to discuss mental health and break the stigma.
Rounding off the day of awareness was ‘Frankie’s Men’s Group’. Meeting regularly, this open group gives men an opportunity to discuss issues important to them, such as mental health and substance use, in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
The group were all encouraged to wear an item of green clothing – and the participation from everyone was fantastic.
Sharing his thoughts on discussing the topic of mental health openly, Horizon’s Recovery Practitioner James Wood, said: “As a team, we understand and appreciate the need to openly discuss mental health and to appreciate the challenges that some people might be going through”.
In spirit of the week’s theme of ‘movement for mental health’, Horizon’s walking group was relaunched, heading out on Friday for a stroll along the seafront.
The walk was open to all clients and offered the perfect opportunity for everyone to get together and enjoy some fresh air and great company.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Starting all the way back in 2001, Mental Health Awareness Week is now a firm fixture in the nation’s events calendar.
Taking place every May, the week offers an opportunity for the whole of the UK to come together and focus on their mental health. It aims to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise their own and others’ mental health.
Each year, the awareness week has a unique theme. This year, it’s all about ‘movement: moving more for our mental health’ – promoting the benefits exercise can have on our mental health. In 2024, the week ran from 13 to 19 May.
To find out more about Horizon services, please visit horizonblackpool.uk or get in touch with us for a chat.
