03 September 2010A free educational workshop open to organisations, groups and individuals to raise awareness of mental health issues will mark the fifteenth annual commemoration of a global campaign next month.
The workshop - 'Understanding the needs of diverse groups and cultures in Edenbridge', will take place from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Edenbridge Centre on Tuesday 9 October to celebrate World Mental Heath Day.
Organised by the Edenbridge Emotional Health Forum, the workshop is open to anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of the cultural differences and diversity within the Edenbridge community, and will feature presentations by a number of speakers on how this can be achieved, so people's differences are valued and a culture of fairness is encouraged.
Additionally the workshop will also look to examine the issues of local culture and diversity, and consider how organisations could support social inclusion within the Edenbridge community.
World Mental Health Day is the only global awareness campaign that focuses specifically on improving public understanding about mental health and mental illnesses. It has been celebrated in Edenbridge for the past two years.
Cllr Felicity Broomby, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet member with responsibility for healthy living, says: "This workshop aims to help people understand the link between cultural diversification and mental health issues, which is not always obvious. Seeing as the workshop is completely free, and knowing how successful the event has been in the previous two years, I would advise anyone interested in attending to contact us to reserve a place as it is sure to be popular once again."
The Emotional Health Forum will seek to use this year's World Mental Health Day campaign to encourage professionals and individuals to increase efforts to plan and provide culturally sensitive and appropriate services to all who require them.
The Emotional Health Forum is a working partnership involving Sevenoaks District Council, West Kent Primary Care Trust and Kent County Council. The Forum aims to share information and raise awareness of emotional wellbeing and mental health issues to organisations and the community.
To reserve a place on the workshop contact the Council on 01732 227000.
