Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Celebrates World Mental Health Day

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has marked World Mental Health Day with an event aimed at Year 9 students, held in the Newry Leisure Centre on Wednesday 9 October.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated around the world on 10 October and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and highlight how people can improve their mental wellbeing by making small changes to their daily routine.

This year, the Newry event is promoting the Public Health Agency’s ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ which are ‘connect’, ‘be active’, ‘take notice’, keep leaning’ and ‘give’. The ‘connect’ step is of particular relevance this year as the World Health Organisation has chosen suicide prevention as the overall theme for World Mental Health Day. During the workshop, participants will learn that simply meeting up with friends can improve mental health, as there is evidence that social support and connections are key protective factors in suicide prevention.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “The Council takes promoting and improving mental health for all our citizens very seriously. I’m pleased to that our Health and Wellbeing Department has worked with local organisations, and our secondary schools to get involved in World Mental Health Day and promote better mental health for our young people.

“I hope that the pupils here today spread the word about World Mental Health Day to their family and friends.”