An academic from Bournemouth University was among those raising awareness around mental health with information stalls and music at Bournemouth train station.
Dr Andrew Mayers, a senior lecturer in Psychology at BU and mental health campaigner, helped organise the event, which brought together several charities and organisations to raise awareness of mental health issues and the support available.
The day-long event ran as part of a national Mental Health Awareness Week and took place on the platform at Bournemouth station with music and information stands.
Andrew said: “South West Trains decided that they wanted to mark Mental Health Awareness Week as a reflection of their commitment to mental health awareness – towards their staff and their customers.
“Given my local profile in mental health campaigning locally and nationally, and the contacts that I have throughout Dorset, they approached me to help them run the event.”
Those represented at the event included the Samaritans, Dorset Mind, Richmond Fellowship, Dorset HealthCare University Foundation Trust, and Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.
“Each of these groups provided information on how they support mental health locally, and talked to commuters on the platform,” said Andrew.
“There was an array of pop-up banners, further raising awareness about mental health. There was great response from the public, and the atmosphere was very positive throughout the day.”
He added: “Overall, our aim was to raise as much awareness about mental health – to show that it’s OK to talk, and to give support where it was needed.”
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 16-22 May. To find out more about the week, and support available, visit the Mental Health Foundation website.
You can find out more about the support and activity taking place in Dorset via the hashtag #MHAW16Dorset
