Purple balloons will be released by GWH staff at 10 am on 10 October from the lake at the front of GWH.
Look out for bunches of ten purple balloons floating across Swindon on Monday morning, being released from the Great Western Hospital at 10am in celebration of World Mental Health Day.
The balloon release kicks off a day of awareness raising by nurses to promote the importance of recognising patients with mental health needs and the health and wellbeing support available to staff.
The theme of this year’s annual celebration is psychological first aid, which refers to mental health support in a crisis.
It reminds us that everyday people experience personal crises, from potentially losing a loved one, going through a stressful situation at work or in their personal life, or experiencing a serious physical illness.
Across Wiltshire people are encouraged to look out for the balloons and if they find one help spread the word by tagging the Trust in a picture via Facebook @GWHNHS or Twitter @GWH_NHS, using #WMHD16 to join the conversation.
People who find a balloon are also encouraged to return the attached note.
There will also be an information stand in the main atrium of the hospital between 10.30am and 2pm where visitors can learn about what the hospital does to support patients with mental health needs and find out more about support in the community.
The Trust has also signed up to the Mindful Employers charter which represents a commitment to supporting mental health in the workplace.
Although incredibly rewarding, working in healthcare can also be highly emotive and all staff are offered free sessions of counselling, stress management, financial advice and a whole range of therapies to support their mental wellbeing.
Throughout the day the Mental Health and Wellbeing Nursing Team will be visiting staff around the hospital to raise awareness of the support available.
Further information about World Mental Health Day, visitwww.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Swindon Mind provides advice, support and services to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem in Swindon, visithttp://swindonmind.org/ or phone 01793 432031.
