Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and Berkshire East Primary Care Trust have once again teamed up to offer residents free events to mark World Mental Health Day on Wednesday October 10.

The aim of the Windsor and Maidenhead day, organised by the Mental Health Foundation, is to get residents to talk about their mental health and to offer them advice and information.

In Windsor, information stands and an exhibition will be set up in Royal Windsor Shopping Centre (outside Costa Coffee) between 10am and 4pm and health experts will be on hand to answer questions.

The team, including representatives from the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough, the PCT and partner organisations, will be in Maidenhead on Saturday October 13, between 10am and 5pm. Their stands, on the first and second floors of Sainsbury's, will be providing information about training and employment opportunities as well as services available for all ages from children through to older people. Visitors will be able to take a test to define their stress levels and representatives from Asian ladies' group Milaap will be talking about their group which focuses on exercise and healthy living.

Other attractions - which are also free - include blood pressure checks, hand, neck and head massages, manicures, the chance to try out fitness equipment and advice on stopping smoking. There will also be a drawing competition, face painting and balloon modelling for children.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "We're delighted so many experts are coming together to offer such important advice to residents on this annual occasion. World Mental Health Day has been a great success in the borough in previous years and the two events organised locally this year are set to be bigger and better than ever."

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "Looking after our mental health is so important – regardless of age. These events will allow residents to focus on themselves, their friends and family and find out about opportunities and advice available to them."

Debbie Dickenson, Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough policy and planning officer for mental health, said: "We all have mental health and we want everyone to think about looking after theirs. This is a great opportunity for residents to come and relax, unwind and pick up relevant information.

"We are very grateful for the tremendous support we've had in putting these events together, particularly from Sainsbury's who are advertising the event and will be displaying our drawing competition forms and winning entries at the tills."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead