Hounslow Council and its health and wellbeing partners have been working to promote positive mental health in the borough for World World Mental Health Day 2023 (Tuesday, 10 October).

In the run-up to World Mental Health Day, the Council has encouraged people from across the borough to take online suicide awareness training from the Zero Suicide Alliance.

The free, 20-minute long session helps people to identify the signs that someone may be feeling suicidal and offers guidance on how to have a conversation with someone you are concerned about.

So far, more than 250,000 people across London have taken the training.

There are several events taking place in Hounslow on World Mental Health Day.

• The Hounslow Wellbeing Network will be relaunching the service at The Arts Centre, on the first floor of Hounslow's Treaty Centre between 9.30am and 3.30pm. There will be a host of activities and a chance to see what support is available. Everyone is welcome to attend.
• Hounslow's Wellbeing and Recovery College will be hosting an open day between 11am and 2pm. The event will provide information about the services provided by the college. It will be followed by a panel discussion on mental health between 2pm and 4pm.

Hounslow Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, Councillor Samia Chaudhary, said: "World Mental Health Day is a chance for us to unite as a community and send a message to everyone that mental health matters.

"As a community, we must work together to increase awareness, reduce stigma and make sure that everyone has access to the mental health care and support they need.

"A great way to show your support for World Mental Health Day is to take the suicide awareness training like the many people in our borough who already have."

Cllr Chaudhary added: "The ultimate message is that people in our borough don't have to suffer in silence. If you're feeling overwhelmed and finding it difficult to cope, help is available."

Organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and encourage positive change for everyone's benefit.

There is support available for people in Hounslow who are finding it hard to cope. This includes the Hounslow Safe Space Helpline - 020 3475 5185.

You can find out more about the support available in Hounslow here.    

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