SOUTHAMPTON is hosting an event that aims to encourage more people - including members of ethnic minorities - to seek help with mental health issues.
Southern Health NHS Foundation and St Denys Activity Group are staging an awareness day after carrying out a survey into access to mental health services in the city.
The two organisations are aiming to break down barriers by ending "stigma, secrecy and exclusion" as well as stopping misinformation.
Southern Health said recent research in the city had highlighted several issues.
These included lack of awareness of the help available, differing cultural attitudes towards mental health - particularly in the black and ethnic minority communities - and inequalities in treatment.
The event will be held at the Victory Centre in Portswood Road from 10.30am until 3pm on Saturday.
Organisers are hoping it will bring communities together as well as encouraging a more open attitude to mental health and offering local support to those in need.
The event will be opened by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Jacqui Rayment.
The keynote speaker will be Shuranjeet Singh, founder and director of Taraki, which works with Punjabi communities to "reshape" attitudes to mental health through awareness, education, support and research.
Southampton has a diverse range of ethnic communities.
Anne Cato, founder of St Denys Activity Group, said some had a different understanding and opinion of mental health issues, which often resulted in problems not being recognised or even spoken about.
"This event is a great opportunity for communities to come together and discuss how they can support people," she said.
Sarah Olley, Southern Health's divisional director for Southampton, said the event was free to attend and open to all Southampton residents.
She added: "They can come along and find out more about mental health through listening to other people’s stories and experiences to getting practical support.
"We are so pleased and proud to be working in partnership with St Denys Activity Group, such an effective partnership when it comes to supporting local communities with mental health."
To book a free place or for more information, email sdenysac@gmail.com or call 07399 877 141.
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