The aim of the Week is to challenge the stigma around mental health and to provide good quality information in a safe and non judgemental environment. 

Local charities, organisations and groups will have displays in the 'Information Centre' which will be open every day. There will be a variety of free workshops and talks designed to promote mental health and well-being throughout the week.


The week will be launched on Monday 4th October at 10am with the Mayor of Worthing Cllr Lionel Harman and Mayor’s Chaplain will light a Peace Candle.  Bob Smytherman will be Master of Ceremonies.


The key note presentation this year will be by Tanya Marwaha from Championing Youth Minds. This is a Worthing based, youth-led non-profit organisation, which aims to support young people through peer mentoring. It offers free online resources accessible to all schools, parents and young people.


On the Monday evening (7-9pm) there will be a special Meeting of Worthing Rethink Mental Health Carers group run by Mark Hughes with a guest speaker, Martin Richards, from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This meeting will be via Zoom, and live streamed to Facebook. A link to the meeting will be available, including, on the WMHAW website.


On Tuesday 5th Men In Sheds (Lancing & Sompting) will talk about the value of friendship groups and the sense of wellbeing derived from collaborative projects which benefit the wider community.


The afternoon will focus on keeping well in later life. There will be a pop-up Dementia Cafe. This will be followed by an open meeting of the Dementia Action Alliance at 4pm. Representatives from Cycall will be the Guest Speakers, explaining how adapted bicycles enable everyone to take part in cycling.


Wednesday 6th October is focussed more towards the provision of services and opportunities for those who experience mental health challenges. Representatives from Pathfinder, Mind and Capital will all explain how services and support can be accessed. There will a workshop on maintaining emotional resilience in the morning. In the afternoon, a gentle craft activity, will offer an opportunity for mindful relaxation and companionship.


On Thursday 7th October there will be an opportunity to hear of the work of some of Worthing’s charities. The Treasure Basket (play therapy) will give a presentation via zoom. Andy’s Angels (grief play and support for children) and  the Samaritans will also give a presentations.
There will be a drop-in Cafe in the afternoon.


Friday 8th October will focus on the work of Worthing Food Foundation and the link between food insecurity and mental wellbeing. Turning Tides will also give a short presentation. Their ‘Hidden and Hunted’ photograph exhibition will be displayed in the church all Week. 

The Information Centre will begin to close on Friday at 4pm.
There will be a coffee morning on the Saturday. 

The Week concludes with a special Glamour Club ‘Vintage Hollywood themed tea’, in the adjacent hall. This is a ticketed event, and details can be found at https://www.theglamourclub.co.uk 

Carol Barber, Co-Founder of Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week said. 

“We are immensely grateful to the Offington Park Methodist Church community for welcoming us into the building once again this year. This event could not happen without the support of our local charities and businesses and we are always surprised at the generosity in terms of time and sponsorship.”


Fellow Co-founder and Master of Ceremonies Bob Smytherman added: 

“Following last year’s event held online using Zoom and Facebook live stream we are delighted to be back in the Church for our 9th Worthing Mental Health Awareness Week although where appropriate we will continue to provide the opportunity for people to join online as the feedback was so positive last year.” 

“As a new Community Member Pioneer for the Co-op I am delighted that the various local stores and Community Causes will be participating in this years event as one of the three missions for the Co-op this year is mental well-being.