Bramhall man supports drive to keep mental health in mind

A BRAMHALL man has given his support to this year’s national Mental Health Awareness Week.

Mark Wooldridge has spoken out about the benefits of mindfulness - a form of meditation which helps to reduce stress and anxiety - which is the theme of this year’s campaign.

The 41-year-old was introduced to the technique through Healthy Minds Stockport, a service for people experiencing common problems such as stress, low mood and anxiety.

He says the practice - which encourages people to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings so they can manage them more easily - has improved his own personal wellbeing.

He said: “My first experience of mindfulness was at a drop- in session run by Healthy Minds.

“It was recommended to me as something that might help with the depression and anxiety I was experiencing at the time.

“Along with other newcomers I was made very welcome and the instructor tailored the content to our needs.

“Mindfulness is now a tool that has integrated into my day- to- day life.

“It has allowed me to approach life in a more level headed way, seeing the positives as well as managing the negatives.

Mental Health Awareness Week began on Monday this week and runs through until Sunday.

Healthy Minds Stockport runs eightweek mindfulness courses, as well as monthly drop-in sessions to allow people to find out more about it before signing up.

For more information on the service call 0161 419 5725 or visit the website www. penninecare. nhs. uk/ mindfulness.