8 October 2012
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Mayor of Bournemouth among those who joined the walk from Bournemouth Pier to Branksome Dene. |
Around 50 people braved the rain for a beach walk to raise awareness of mental health issues.
The walk, which went from Bournemouth Pier to the Branksome Dene Beach Hut, is the first of a series of events which will run to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
Among those who took part in the walk was Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor Phil Stanley–Watts, who said members of his family have experienced mental health issues.
He said: "I think it is very important for everybody to understand mental health issues and to change people’s attitudes.
"I feel it is a priority to improve people’s wellbeing, and it is good for people to exercise to do that."
Bournemouth University has joined with a number of organisations to hold talks and events throughout the week.
Tomorrow, there will be a talk on anxiety disorders, in Talbot House, on BU’s Talbot Campus, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, which is open to staff, students and the public.
Dr James Palfreman–Kay, equality and diversity advisor at Bournemouth University, said: "Events like this are putting the university’s vision and commitments into practice and building on the relationship we have with Dorset HealthCare to promote awareness of mental health issues."
The beach walk was led by the Poole Community Mental Health Team, who BU is working with alongside Dorset HealthCare, Dorset Mental Health Forum and the East Dorset Mental Health Carers’ Forum during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Dave Humphriss, STR worker for the Poole Community Mental Health Team, said: "It has been a lovely day and we are really pleased with the turnout, with the weather conditions against us. It is wonderful to promote the awareness of mental health issues."
For details of further events taking place at Bournemouth University as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2012 visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news.
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