Hundreds of celebrities have pledged their support to the University of Worcester’s World Mental Health Day event, to help raise awareness of mental health issues.
TV presenter and author Stephen Fry and actors Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Charles Dance and Patrick Stewart were just some of the famous names to send in photos, signatures and personal messages to support the University’s event on Wednesday (October 10). The Pope’s Pontifical Council for Health and Vatican Council also wrote to the University to support the event stating: “The church has always been active in this field and feels gratitude towards all those who work to ensure that people with mental illness are not stigmatised but accepted and understood.”
World Mental Health Day was first observed as a national event in 1992 with the aim of promoting mental health advocacy and educating the public on relevant issues.
The Mayors of Worcester and Hereford, Councillor Stephen Inman and Coun Chris Chappell opened the University’s own event, which included a display of the signed celebrity photos, art works produced by NHS mental health service users, a poster competition and exhibition stalls with information on mental health issues. Over 1,000 blue ribbons were also handed out to staff and students for people to mark their support.
University lecturer and Mental Health Advisor Steve Wilding, who organised the event, said the day was an extremely important date in the calendar.
“One in four people will experience mental distress during their lifetime, so this day can really help to focus and raise awareness of mental health issues. Many people may have an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression and may not even realise it. This event is all about raising awareness and informing and encouraging the public to come forward and find support should they need it.”
Celebrity Quotes:
The University received a number of heart-felt messages from celebrities, and people within the region:
Actress Helena Bonham Carter wrote: “Don’t suffer in silence – thinking is the first step to happiness”.
Actor Stephen Fry added: “We should think about something as vital to all of us as mental health every day, but the 10th of October can really focus our minds.”
Support within the region included the Bishop of Hereford, the Right Reverend Anthony Priddis. Reverend Priddis wrote: “I hope this initiative will not only raise the profile of your work amongst students but encourage someone who may be in need of assistance and have not yet sought it, to do so.”
University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, added: “The University has supported this event over many years and we’re delighted to be able to help raise the profile of this day and raise awareness of mental health issues.”
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