THOUSANDS of people in Hampshire will be uniting for a global campaign raising awareness of mental health problems.

People of all ages and backgrounds will gather for a series of activities taking place in the county to mark World Mental Health Day tomorrow.

The global initiative seeks to break down stigma surrounding mental health and promoting education, awareness and health and wellbeing.

Figures show that one-in-four people will experience a mental health problem in any one year - with the prevalence likely to be much higher due to the fear of stigma leading to people refusing to seek help.

Campaigners will host an event outside Southampton Central Station promoting health services in the region and urging people to stand up to stigma.

Representatives from Steps 2 Wellbeing, Time to Change, Solent NHS Trainers, Southern Health and the Red Lipstick Foundation will be there from 9.30am and will launch an online activity aimed at getting people to talk about mental health.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust is hosting its Exploring Realities event at the city's Nuffield Theatre from 2pm-4.30pm to support people living with psychosis.

There will be the screening of documentary ‘In The Real’ about a self help group for people who hear voices.

Dr Eleanor Longden will launch a TED Talk called ‘The Voices in my Head’ followed by a panel discussion focussing on mental health.

Staff from Solent Mind's Fareham wellbeing centre will be in the Podium in West Street during the day offering advice on mental wellbeing and its new Upturn service - offering help for young people aged 14-18.

The group is offering people the chance to find out more about drop in sessions taking place during the week until Saturday, October 15.