World Mental Health Day 2009

World Mental Health Day 2009

Click Here to See Pictures of the Event

Families and shoppers joined Rochdale and District Mind for a very special family fun day and sponsored walk around the town on Friday (October 9th).

The charity was raising awareness of mental health and reducing the discrimination that still surrounds such illness as part of World Mental Health Week. The theme of the day was Get Moving – Make a Stand for Mental Health. Lots of people took up the challenge, including the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Keith Swift and Ms Sue Etchells.

Together with Waterloo Road actor Jason Done and his dog, the crowd were treated to street theatre entertainers from Sky Light Circus and local fitness expert Sheila Daly got everyone stretching to warm up at the start of the 3.5 mile walk.

Tricia Hornby, Chief Executive of Rochdale and District Mind said;

“It’s been a wonderful happy day, with an important goal. Many more people are now aware of mental illness and that anyone may have a mental health difficulty at some point in their lives. This simple fact alone removes the stigma that has been associated with mental health wellbeing. I’d like to thank the Mayor, Mayoress and Jason for taking so much of their time to make this such a special social event. ”

Terry Thorp, Business Manager of Rochdale and District Mind praised the strong support and commitment offered to the charity from over 46 businesses across Rochdale in making this event so successful. Thanks go particularly to the Body Shop, Simply Special, Boots, Slattery’s and Wardle Water.

The 3.5 mile walk started at the Butts at 12:00 noon, there were many stop-off points along the route,  entertainment and access points to information on local services aiming to raise awareness on mental health issues.

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Below is a map of the walk

View Mind - World Mental Health Day Walk in a larger map