A SERIES of events will take place in York this week as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

City of York Council is working around the city with York Explore, Make It York, York MIND, York Advocacy, York Travellers’ Trust, Yor Peer Support, LGBT groups, Kyra, The Haven, IDAS, York CVS and Ways to Wellbeing, to help individuals and groups to talk about mental health, how it can be improved and the support available across the city.

Live Well York will hold free, interactive suicide prevention training as part of the national #TalkSuicide initiative, which can be completed in twenty minutes and teaches lifesaving skills, how to spot when someone might be feeling suicidal, how to speak out about suicide and how to help find support and services.

Drop-in sessions will be open on Monday May 13, at West Offices, between 9.30am and 4pm, and on Wednesday, May 15, in Parliament Street, between 9.30am and 4pm. The sessions will include free information, activities and staff to help signpost visitors to extra resources and good quality mental health support.

A special event will be held on Friday, May 17, at 30 Clarence Street, between 10.30am and 4pm with information and advice, and afternoon tea served by people attending community recovery projects.

Green ribbons, created by people who use the council's mental health support services, will be handed out at these events to help visitors show support for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Tim Madgwick, chair of York's Mental Health Partnership, said: "We know there are thousands of people living and working in York who struggle with their mental health. There are some great programmes in the city which have changed the lives of people but we also know that there are some people who feel unable speak openly or get any form of help.

"We want to be a city that listens and cares about everyone who has mental health problems. The week is about broadening the reach to people, we know the first conversation is often the hardest but weeks like these raise awareness and have the capacity to change lives."

Sharon Houlden, corporate director of health, housing and adult social care at City of York Council, said: "One in four of us will experience a mental health problem.

"Mental health really matters, and there is a wealth of support available so no-one need struggle alone. Events like these are so important for raising awareness and signposting people and their friends and family to how they can access good mental health support."

Live Well York also helps provide activities throughout the year to help improve health and wellbeing. To find out more, go to livewellyork.co.uk or for information about #TalkSuicide, go to talksuicide.co.uk

There will also be crafts and activities including mindfulness taster sessions which can be booked by emailing canse.karatas@york.gov.uk