People who receive support from Coastal West Sussex Mind in Midhurst are busy preparing for the charity’s new mental health anti-stigma campaign which will focus on people’s kind acts.
They are collecting stories and experiences of acts of kindness that they feel have helped with their mental health. These will be printed on pocket-sized folded Z-cards and included in mini well-being boxes and given to the public to raise awareness and start conversations.
Stigma stops people seeking support so it’s vital to create opportunities for people to be open and talk. Little acts of kindness can help this.
Dubbed ‘Human Kindness to Open Mindness’ (sic) by the charity’s Open Mind champions, the campaign will also feature a special event during Mental Health Awareness Week, on May 14, at the Grange Leisure Centre, Midhurst.
At the event, people can choose what items they would like to include in well-being boxes from a ‘pick and mix’ selection. There will be some free boxes pre-packed with gifts such as Body Shop miniatures, clay hearts and shapes, tools and tips for managing mental health and printed affirmations for people to take away. Boxes suitable for children will also be available.
Coastal West Sussex Mind’s anti-stigma co-ordinator Louisa Hernandez said: “There will be plenty of opportunities to talk to our staff and mental health champions. Everyone is welcome.”
The event at the Grange will also include:
- A free cream tea for anyone filling out an anti-stigma pledge card
- The opportunity to chat with mental health champions at the Rural Minds Matters bus
- A free singing group taster session
- Information stands from Carers Support, Southdown Housing, well-being teams and other organisations.
