Residents were encouraged to talk about their mental health during a special event held at County Hall.

Wiltshire Council public health teams offered activities and information designed to boost wellbeing on World Mental Health Day.

Members of Rethink, a charity for people severely affected by mental illness, were also in Trowbridge to deliver conversations around ‘greener health’ ideas.

Service manager Lynette Harris was happy with the turnout: “People who access our service have come along, loads of people from the council have popped in, members of the public, lots of children with their families…

“If anyone is ever anxious about coming to our events, we will always welcome them and meet them outside as well.”

Wiltshire Times: Rethink provides networks of local mental health support groups and services.Rethink provides networks of local mental health support groups and services. (Image: Jessica Moriarty, Newsquest)

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Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for public health, said: “Talking about mental health is no longer the taboo subject it once was, and we can share and seek support more readily.

Wiltshire Times: Residents were invited to write down their achievements.Residents were invited to write down their achievements. (Image: Jessica Moriarty, Newsquest)

“Since Covid-19, concerns about young people's mental health have risen and children and young people need to know they can voice their concerns and find support. 

“Working together to address this is very important and I'm glad that we have this international day to reflect, review and ensure we are all doing everything we can.”

The council is also running youth mental health first aid training sessions this week, to help staff in schools recognise signs of mental health issues.