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New mental health campaign urges people not to suffer in silence

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Barnet Council and CommUNITY Barnet have joined forces as part of a campaign to highlight the prevalence of mental health in modern-day society.

Mental health campaign

Mental health campaign

The council’s Public Health Team and CommUNITY Barnet, an organisation that promotes the voluntary and community sector in Barnet, are working in partnership to deliver a borough-wide campaign to increase public awareness of mental health, as well as providing people with information on how they can get help and support in the borough.

The campaign has three specific aims: to raise awareness of mental health in Barnet and to improve the health of those who suffer from this increasingly common illness; encourage conversation around the causes and potential triggers of mental ill health and to signpost people to local services, where they can get professional help and support.

The focus of the campaign will feature a number of different case studies – including Frank, Pak Hoi and an anonymous contributor – with each case study offering a candid and unflinching insight into their personal experiences of dealing with mental health.

The campaign will also showcase a short video that was captured at the recent East Barnet Festival, where volunteers from CommUNITY Barnet spoke to people about the issue of mental health, and what they do to improve their overall wellbeing.

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Caroline Stock, said: “I am very grateful that we now live in an age where people of all ages can speak openly and freely about their mental health. The days of suffering in silence are now hopefully a thing of the past.

“Mental health problems like any illness can affect anyone, sadly not at a time of choice, but is increasingly common. The really encouraging thing is that there is help available for anyone who is suffering, even when they are at their lowest ebb.

“I am delighted to be working with Community Barnet as part of this campaign. It is vitally important that we increase awareness of how people can maintain good mental health and also get the right type of help, when they most need it.

Julie Pal, CEO at CommUNITY Barnet said: ““The most important thing to remember when it comes to mental ill health is that help can always be found. No matter your background or who you are, we want people to know that even if they are experiencing poor mental health, it’s a positive and empowering thing to speak up and reach out for support.

“That’s what CommUNITY Barnet’s campaign with Barnet Council is all about - challenging the stigma around mental health, helping people to maintain good mental health and build resilience, raising awareness of the support available within the borough, and showing people there is a positive future for themselves and their wellbeing.”

The campaign will be shared widely through social media and other platforms, including Barnet First e-newsletter and the Communities Together Network newsletter.

Support is available to people who might be suffering from mental health difficulties. They can visit the Barnet Wellbeing Hub, Meritage Centre, Church End, Hendon, London NW4 4JT. The number is 03333 449088.