28 October 2024

On Thursday 10 October 2024, representatives from a wide range of CNWL services in Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster came together with local partners to host an event in celebration of World Mental Health Day. The event was held at St Mary Abbots Church in Kensington.

This collaboration provided a valuable opportunity for local residents to connect with mental health resources, learn more about available services, and take part in wellness activities. The event featured participation from organisations including the Recovery College, Community Living Well, and mental health support groups like Rethink and Mind, fostering a spirit of community and support. Attendees were treated to live interactive music, free massages, and a delicious spread of lunch, drinks, and snacks.

Informative stalls hosted by various organisations provided additional resources and insights into mental health services available in the area. Participants had the opportunity to learn about initiatives from:

- Bikeworks

- Mind

- SMART/Community Champions

- CNWL/Community Living Well

- North West London Integrated Care System

- Community Massage London

- Pranic Therapy Centre

- The Recovery College

The day was animated by collaboration and friendly discussion. A highlight for many participants was a whiteboard set up for sharing personal tips for mental wellbeing. Jenny Lanyero, Team Manager of the Brent Health Inequalities Team, facilitated a discussion around these tips, exploring the various strategies employed by different organisations to address workplace mental health. This sparked constructive conversations and enabled attendees to exchange ideas and experiences.

In addition to the discussions, a dedicated wellbeing room was available for participants to explore throughout the day. This space featured a projector showing guided meditation videos, aromatherapy, and areas for practicing meditation. Attendees were encouraged to take a moment for themselves, allowing for relaxation and self-reflection amidst the day's activities.

The event concluded with a moving poem by Priscilla Joseph, Wellbeing Advisor, titled “Breathe” which resonated deeply with the audience, encapsulating the day's themes of support, resilience and mental wellbeing.

A special thank you goes to Amelia Mustapha from SMART London for organising the event. The positive feedback and community engagement suggest a strong desire for this event to become an annual fixture, continuing to thrive and grow in the years to come. This celebration of World Mental Health Day not only raised awareness but also strengthened the community’s commitment to mental wellness, fostering connections that will last long after the event.

 

Read Priscilla’s Poem “Breathe”:

So many times, I wanted to give up

But then I breathe

And I cannot convince giving up on all the things that I love so I breathe

So many times the emotion of anger rushes through me and made me want to act uncontrollably but then I breathe the oxygen rushes to my brain causing me to cool and dulling the pain

So I breathe

So many times I laughed and giggled and through deep breathing and restored to a state of neutrality

So I breathe

So many souls we have lost grieving with loss so painfully

So I breathe

So many times I have watched a baby sleeping just breathing and breathing and breathing.

It hurt to take my first breath, but my last breath will be death

So with hope and with love I continue to breathe