Buildings turn green to mark mental health day

BRIDGEND’S civic offices turned green at the weekend to mark World Mental Health Day.

The council building was one of several in the region to change colour to shine a light on the various organisations which support mental health, raising awareness of the help available.

The Old Bridge and the walkway in front of the civic offices in Angel Street were also illuminated as was the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl and the Angelton Clinic at Glanrhyd Hospital.

Elsewhere in the region, Pontypridd Museum and the Coliseum Theatre in

Aberdare were lit up, as were some of the buildings run by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Other community and voluntary groups were also encouraged to join in on Saturday, October 10 by illuminating or decorating their premises in green.

In addition, a range of talks, discussions and wellbeing activities will be taking place on Zoom until Thursday, October 15, hosted by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Third Sector Mental Health Forum.

Kathryn RogersonDavies, from the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Third Sector Mental Health Forum, said: “We know that the coronavirus pandemic has been a distressing time for people in many different ways but help is available, and a brighter future is possible if people reach out to local organisations.

“Mental health concerns are particularly pertinent in 2020 – according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, rates of depression have almost doubled during the coronavirus pandemic, with almost one in five adults experiencing some form of depression compared to the previous year when it was around one in 10.

“Data from the Office for National Statistics also shows the suicide rate for men in Wales and England in 2019 was the highest for two decades.

“We hope that not only will the building illuminations help to signpost various organisations involved in offering mental health support but also start a conversation with friends, family and colleagues about mental health.

“For people interested in volunteering, there’s also a range of opportunities with local and national groups.”

The local organisations taking part in World Mental Health Day events included Bridgend County

Borough Council, Awen Cultural Trust and Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations.

Bridgend County Borough Council’s cabinet member for social services, Nicole Burnett said: “Knowing where to get help is vital for everyone with mental health issues... We urge people to contact the relevant organisations in order to benefit from expert advice and support.”

If you are experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647. The line is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

For support with a range of mental health issues, visit www. mentalhealthsupport. co.uk for a directory of regional and national services.

For someone to talk to at any time of the day or night, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

For a confidential listening and support service, call the mental health helpline for Wales on 0800 132 737.

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