Mental health awareness event

Published Tuesday 7 May, 2024
Last updated on Tuesday 7 May, 2024

If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health, you can receive crucial advice and support at an event being hosted by Swale Borough Council.

The council has teamed up with Southeastern Rail and The Light Cinema to offer support in two locations in Sittingbourne on 16 May as part of its mental health awareness week of action.

Organisations from across the community and voluntary sector and private sector, including the NHS and Kent and Fire Rescue, will be stationed in The Light Cinema in Bourne Place.

There will also be representatives offering extra support and information to people travelling through Sittingbourne train station from 9:30 to 11:30.

This month’s One Swale roadshow aims to create awareness for issues such as suicide and self-harm and offer support to people suffering from depression and stress.

People will also be able to receive useful information to help with the cost of living such as food and fuel vouchers, water bill reductions, health checks and help with accessing the household support fund.

There will also be advice on issues like home safety, energy use, how to avoid scams, benefits, health and debt.

Following the success of last year’s roadshows, the council is hosting an event every month at different locations around the borough until March 2025, to try to connect people in need with organisations who can offer support.

The council is working with the Swale CVS and Faversham Community Networking Group to organise these roadshows, which are being partly funded by the UK Government's Household Support Fund.

Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community committee, said:

“People struggling with their mental health can end up suffering in silence because the signs are often invisible, so creating awareness with events like this is hugely important.

“Our roadshows are a safe space where people can speak to professionals and experts who can offer sound support and advice and, when needed, point people towards more specialist care.

“We want to use this to help us reach those in our community who are struggling - we want people to know that there is support out there, you can get help, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

“If you or someone you know are struggling with their mental health, please come along and speak to the organisations that are there to help.

“I’m immensely grateful to all those working to make these events possible, and I know they are a great benefit to those who attend.”

The event will be on 16 May at the Light Cinema and Sittingbourne Train Station from 9:30 to 11:30.