Celebrating a Successful World Mental Health Day: Thank You to All Who Supported Us
On 10th October 2024, we had the privilege of gathering together for our “Walk and Talk” event at Broomfield Park to celebrate World Mental Health Day. The day was a resounding success, and we couldn’t be prouder of the collective effort from everyone involved. From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to all the staff, service users, and professionals who came together to support this meaningful cause.
The weather may have been a typical autumn day, but the warmth and spirit of our group made it a day to remember. We were touched by the openness and shared conversations throughout the walk, which truly embodied the purpose of World Mental Health Day – to break down the stigma around mental health and foster supportive environments where everyone feels safe to talk.
We were honoured to have Friends of Broomfield Park supporting us on the day, making sure we felt welcome in this beautiful space. A special thank you goes to Sarah, Daniel, and Ribinson at the park café, who warmly greeted us after our walk with much-needed hot drinks. Their hospitality made the gathering even more special, providing a perfect atmosphere for people to connect, share stories, and reflect on the importance of mental well-being.
World Mental Health Day is more than just an event on the calendar – it is a reminder that mental health matters every single day. For too long, conversations about mental health have been shrouded in silence and stigma, but together, we are making strides towards change. Our “Walk and Talk” served as a reminder that simple acts – like walking and talking – can open up spaces for reflection, understanding, and compassion. By creating an inclusive, supportive community, we can break down the barriers that keep people from seeking help and feeling accepted.
We are incredibly proud to announce that, through our GoFundMe page, we raised £600, which is double our original target! Your generosity and contributions will go directly to MIND, a charity that continues to do critical work supporting mental health in communities across the UK. As promised, Shine will match the total amount raised, bringing the grand total to £1,200 for MIND. We are overjoyed to see such a significant impact being made, and this would not have been possible without your kindness and commitment.
This success is a testament to the power of community and solidarity. Each step taken, each conversation had, and each contribution made on the day is part of a larger movement towards mental health awareness and support. We hope this event will serve as a stepping stone for future activities, encouraging more people to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.
As we reflect on this wonderful day, we want to express our gratitude to every individual who participated and made it possible. Whether you walked with us, shared your story, or donated to MIND, your involvement has helped create a lasting impact. Let’s carry forward the energy from this event and continue working towards a future where mental health is openly talked about, understood, and supported.
Thank you once again to all our staff, service users, and partners for making World Mental Health Day 2024 one to remember. Together, we are breaking the silence and making a real difference in the lives of so many.
Warm regards,
Shine