World Mental Health Day raises hundreds in Saffron Walden

Saffron Walden Town Council worked alongside the leisure centre and Mind in West Essex to organise the event at the leisure centre on Thursday, October 10, aiming to highlight how mental wellbeing can be improved through exercise.

Research has demonstrated the link between exercise and mental health, and how physical activity can improve self-esteem by reducing anxiety, depression and negative moods.

World Mental Health Day at Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre (Image: SWTC) Participants could attend a selection of classes, along with drop-in rowing in the foyer, making donations in exchange for wearing pyjamas or blue clothes. Prizes were awarded to the best dressed on the day.

Classes included body pump, spin, Zumba, Pilates and more.

Many had a go on the rowing machine - including Mayor of Saffron Walden Cllr Deryk Eke - and together they met their overall goal of reaching 35km by the end of the day.

The number was chosen as the focus of World Mental Health Day this year was wellbeing in the workplace, and 35 per cent of workers in Britain say they have had to take time off work due to stress over the past year.

Representatives from Mind in West Essex were available in the reception area to talk about the work they do in the community, and discuss how we can all make small steps to reduce the impact of stress on our health.

The event was "well supported" by the sporting community and, in addition to increasing awareness of mental health, raised £330 in donations for the mayor's chosen charities - Mind in West Essex and Saffron Walden Citizens Advice.

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More information on how to donate to the mayor's charity appeal can be found at https://saffronwalden.gov.uk/the-mayor/.

Mayor Cllr Deryk Eke said: "I would like to thank everyone involved and those who made a donation.

"We are very fortunate to have a Mind in West Essex office here in Saffron Walden at 19a High Street – if you are in need of help please contact them on 01799 400049 or www.mind.org.uk."