Beating The Blues In Chiswick

Better Mental Health group has organised activities to help cheer people up

Blue Monday is reputed to be the gloomiest day of the year. Christmas holidays are long gone, money is tight and the weather cold and gloomy.

But it doesn't have to be that way. To cheer people up, Better Mental Health in Chiswick (BMHC) organised a day of sociable and fun activities on 21 January including art workshops, mindful yoga and board games. Thanks to the hospitality of the Catholic Centre and Chiswick Library, with lunch generously donated by Waitrose, the day was free of charge and available to all.

Over 40 people attended and feedback was very positive. The group created a beautiful 2 metre collage which will soon be displayed in the library.

Sally Malin, BMHC volunteer said: 'Many people in Chiswick face real challenges in their lives and this can impact mental health. Our Blue Monday event shows how coming together for a chat, to make art, play games and try out yoga can all help lift low mood. And it was really good fun.'

BMHC is a new volunteer group set up in response to growing local concern about mental health. Their first initiative was a display in October at Chiswick Library about Mind's Five Ways to Wellbeing - Learn - Notice - Be Active - Give - Connect. Evidence shows these can all help improve mental wellbeing and the group now produces a Monthly Suggestions list to help people find local activities and opportunities. After the success of Blue Monday, more BMHC events will follow.

BMHC already works with a number of local organisations including Mind, Chiswick Together and the Hounslow Community FoodBox. We welcome new members who like us want to help improve mental health in our neighbourhood.

Their next event is a walk on Sunday 27 January, meet at 11 am at Costa Coffee, Kew Bridge.

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January 25, 2019