We ran events every day across the whole of West Sussex – including in Worthing, Bognor, Littlehampton, Lancing, Fishersgate, Henfield, Pulborough, Storrington, Billingshurst and Chichester. From craft events and mental health workshops to tree trails and library talks, our staff were out and about, running activities, chatting to people and spreading the word about our services.
Among the highlights of the week was a forest school day in Angmering for children and their families who get support with our Families in Mind service. The feedback from the parents and carers who attended – and their kids – was really positive and everyone had a fun and rewarding day.
Leah took her son, Ronan, to the forest school and it was a first for both her and Ronan. “I was extremely nervous beforehand and I very nearly texted one of the support workers to back out. But I’m so glad I didn’t! This session gave Ronan the chance to get extremely messy without judgement or the worry about tidying up. I enjoyed talking to the other mums who attended about the mental health issues we are struggling with, about our babies – and about life! There was something truly amazing about being in the woods and listening to the trees, the creek and the birds singing that just made me feel so at peace.”
Another highlight was the reopening of our Littlehampton support hub on Maltravers Road, which was officially opened by Littlehampton Mayor, Cllr Michelle Molloy, on the last day of her mayoralty. Around 60 guests, including partners, service users, trustees, fundraisers and staff, came to look around the new facilities and to enjoy speeches and tea and cake. Two of our service users shared their moving stories about how getting support with us in Littlehampton had helped them move forward. We thank them for sharing their experiences.
Nathalie Reynolds, a mental health first aider at The Body Shop in Littlehampton, who attended the event, said: “Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your grand reopening. It was a really lovely event with a real community feel. And it was very inspiring and moving to see the difference you’ve made to people’s lives.”
A huge thank you to everyone who came and met us at our events during Mental Health Awareness Week – and to all our lovely staff who organised and took part in our activities.
Keep having open conversations about mental health, raising awareness and checking in on people you know. Remember we’re here for you every week, not just for Mental Health Awareness Week, so please do reach out for support if you are struggling.