Peerfest18 – National Mental Health Event comes to Purfleet
HAVING supported local people with mental health issues for 35 years, Thurrock Mind, who were recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, topped off their year of celebration by hosting the national Peerfest event. An opportunity for people to share their mental health experiences and recognise the power and diversity of peer support.
On Saturday 20th October more than 200 people, from as far afield as Manchester, Wales and Jersey, came together at the Backstage Centre in Purfleet. They enjoyed talking with Mayor Barbara Rice, participating in workshops and a debate about the role of social media in mental health. With congratulations extended to the winners of the Marsh Awards who were recognised for their outstanding examples of how people with similar experiences can support each other. All filmed by students from the Harris Academy.
The festivities continued into the evening with a showcase of local talent; Salika encouraged the audience to join in and sign-a-song; Tee-Eye delighted us with modern gospel music; Thurrock Golden Voices got everyone up and dancing; with a rock performance from youth band, Forest in Autumn; then an impromptu appearance by local rapper, Kage Solitaire.
Thurrock Mind would like to extend a big Thank You to all sponsors of the event including Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Proctor & Gamble, Eternity Events, Red Letter Day & Buyagift.com.
Peerfest was a real celebration of people from all walks of life connecting through shared experience, if you would like to be part of this at Thurrock Mind, or get involved with any volunteering, we have a rolling recruitment and training programme, please get in touch on 01375 391411 or by emailing peers@thurrockmind.org.uk.
Wow! It must be really easy to get that award if Thurrock Mind can get it. In my experience Thurrock Mind does nothing but instil a dependence on their service in those service users who can’t get work to justify their existence rather than trying to help them wean themselves off dependence on Thurrock MInd services and live independent lives.