Notice: Experts Come Together For Mental Health And Loneliness Event

Published on: 22 Sep, 2021
Updated on: 22 Sep, 2021

Tackling mental health and loneliness in the UK was a cause for concern before Covid-19 and figures show that the pandemic has only amplified the growth of these conditions in people of all ages.

Fairlands Practice Patient Participation Group (FPPPG), who act on behalf of The Fairlands Practice and their patients, has organised a day that will focus on understanding mental health and loneliness issues – causes, symptoms, treatments, prevention and how a healthy lifestyle can help.

Fairlands Medical Centre.

The drop-in event is taking place at the Fairlands Community Centre in Fairlands Avenue on Saturday, October 9, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

The FPPPG has invited a wide range of speakers from the NHS, related charities and organisations covering problems affecting children, adults and the elderly.

There will also be demonstrations from organisations who aim to tackle mental health and loneliness such as keep fit and martial arts, the choir from Worplesdon Primary School and some therapy dogs from Therapy Dogs Nationwide.

The timetable for the day will be as follows:

· 11am Welcome: Richard Broughton, Chair, Fairlands Practice Patient Participation Group

· 11.05am Dr. Marty McKendry, The Fairlands Practice

· 11.25am Allen Ruddock, Samaritans, Guildford Branch

· 11.50am The Rev. Dr. Thomas Weil, Worplesdon Parish Church

· 12.15pm Rachel Brennan, Action for Carers, Surrey

· 12.40pm Michele de Casanove, Move It Or Lose It

· 1.05pm Lunch Break – Exercise demonstration

· 2pm Kerry Pilbeam, CAMHS Youth Counselling Service

· 2.25pm Annalise Baker, Oakleaf Enterprise

· 2.50pm Linda Ofori, North Guildford General Practice Integrated Mental Health Service

· 3.15pm Kareen O’Brien, Worplesdon Primary School

· 3.40pm Tea Break

· 4pm Worplesdon Primary School Choir

Richard Broughton, chairman of the FPPPG said: “In recent years we have held a number of similar days to focus on conditions such as dementia, cancer and diabetes, which have all been well attended.

“This event was planned for 2020, but we were stopped in our tracks by the pandemic. It seems even more relevant for our community this year after the challenging months we have all experienced.

“We are extremely pleased with the calibre and variety of speakers that we have planned for our event and we really hope that people will find the day informative.”

For further information on the event or the FPPPG, visit the recently launched Fairlands Practice Patient Participation Group’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/460289295066856), the practice website at www.fairlandsmedicalpractice.nhs.uk, or email ppg.fairlands@nhs.net