Good mental health starts with '˜Tea and Talk'

Brierfield Action in the Community (BAIC) know that silence can be a shroud for those dealing with mental health issues - and that reaching out to others can save lives.
From left to right are residents Shirley Keene, Jean Brelsford and Jean Duff. (s)From left to right are residents Shirley Keene, Jean Brelsford and Jean Duff. (s)
From left to right are residents Shirley Keene, Jean Brelsford and Jean Duff. (s)

That was one of the motivations behind the group’s Tea and Talk morning, a national campaign marking World Mental Health Day.The event offered residents the chance to speak to staff about issues relating to their mental well-being, break down myths and learn about services provided in the area.Donations totalled £56 in aid of the Mental Health Foundation, a charity helping people to understand, protect and sustain their mental well-being.Offering information on dementia was Chris Cheeseman, of Pendleside Hospice, while Alyson Walker, of the Lancashire Health and Well-being Service, was also on hand to give advice to residents.