Marking World Mental Health Day event at Pembury

In recognition of the day, we put on an event to remember at Pembury Community Centre for the second year in a row. This event was for those being supported by London Mental Health teams, their families and friends and staff accompanying them. The aim of the event was to provide customers with the opportunity to try different activities to support their wellness and recovery.  

One of the first sessions was Dance with Tracy Round-Turner, Assistant Director of Academy & OD at Peabody and trained professional dancer.  Before the session got underway Tracey noted that “I always celebrate world mental health day, and so I was pleased to get involved when Catherine reached out. It’s nice for me to blur worlds between dance, fitness and Peabody, I’m happiest when moving”. Sankofa from Dao Lu CIC also introduced many attendees to Qigong.  

Upstairs, Adam Gross, Peer worker ran a more sedate Mindfulness session which included two seated exercises; Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). When asked about the session, one attendee said “I noticed when I was not having good thoughts, and it was good to put those thoughts on a leaf during the Leaves on a Stream exercise.” 

There were also tables set up for activities such as jewellery making, drawing, and knitting with Maureen and Lauren from Financial Inclusion. Maureen explained that she had been involved in last year's event as well and was keen to be a part of the day, not just to knit but to raise awareness of how Peabody can help with topics beyond housing; like claiming winter fuel allowance, navigating the universal credit system and support with budgeting. “I’m passionate about breaking down barriers” Maureen commented. “Not everyone has smartphones or can visit our office down the road. We can have initial conversations with people while they are here today and set up future appointments at a time that works for them. It’s about treating everyone with dignity and getting people the help they need at the time they need."  

Food was another highlight of the day. Sylvia, Dean, and Molly put on a buffet that catered to all, with plenty of rice, chicken and cake. Over lunch, we were treated to some impromptu karaoke from some attendees, which added to the upbeat atmosphere. 

As the afternoon approached the day’s special guest, Daudi Matsiko, began setting up in the atrium with the help of Joe from Applecart Arts, who provided all the sound equipment for the performance. Daudi is a Nottingham based British Ugandan singer-songwriter, and we were delighted he was able to add one more date to his “King of Misery” album tour. The album explores the complexities of his personal experiences - namely struggles with his own depression, bipolar affective disorder and racial trauma.

Before performing, Daudi sat down for an informal interview with Moira Griffiths, Director of C&S Strategy & Business Development. Daudi and Moira discussed the particular struggles men face when discussing mental health, his experience with working through internalised shame and the conversations he’d had with his dad. “Vulnerability is a big thing; I forced myself to be vulnerable. It was uncomfortable, but vulnerability is a sort of a practice” noted Daudi.  

The penultimate part of the day included a performance from Adam, Alan and Val who had taken part in the days Creative Writing session provided by Kate Poll from The Writing Path. The trio read out their poem ‘Mental Wealth’, which touched on themes of feeling welcome, that they had written that day.

The Creative Writing session seemed to be particularly impactful for some attendees, and not just those who chose to perform their writing. Val and Kim, support workers at Redbridge, explained that one customer, who is usually very reserved, expressed his thoughts in a way that he never had before during the session. “He felt comfortable sharing his feelings in that room, surrounded by other people opening up” said Val, “It gave him a safe space and the confidence to share his story and his feelings, something we haven’t seen before during his 10 years with Peabody. It’s a real moment of realising how much these services matter."

After that, all that was left was the free raffle that all attendees had been invited to take part in when entering the building and some closing remarks. One guest commented when waiting for a session to begin that they were “Enjoying the day, but I hope I win something!” There is something to be said for positive thoughts, as they ended up taking second prize of a £50 voucher and a hamper.