Everything you need to know about Sheffield Mental Health Week

This week (9-15 October) marks Sheffield Mental Health Week, set up to raise awareness of mental health issues and to coincide with World Mental Health Day tomorrow (10 October).

Below is a rundown of the events taking place this week, plus a range of support services and helplines for anyone struggling with mental health.

Moor Market Pop Up Stall (Monday-Saturday)

A pop up stall at the Moor Market will be running this week. The organisers have said: "You'll be able to find us and a host of information about the week, as well as mental health services and wellbeing in Sheffield as we take over one of the Moor market stalls."

Listening Post for Mental Health and Wellbeing (Tuesday, Wild Leaf Vegan Cafe, 14:00-18:00)

To mark World Mental Health Day, Listening Posts are happening across the globe – spaces in the community led by coaches and transformation professionals. Anyone needing or wanting to be listened to can simply come along the day.

Gargoyles of the Mind (Tuesday, St. Mary's, Bramall Lane, 18:00-20:00)

Gargoyles of the Mind is a photography exhibition which will feature work by Dan Bustamante, as well as speakers and discussions centred on mental health and injustice.

Identity Exhibition (Tuesday-Friday, Winter Gardens, 10:30-13:30)

This free exhibition features clients from Adullam Homes, who work to find housing solutions for people with mental health difficulties. It aims to create conversation and shed light on new viewpoints.

Storybook Cafe (Wednesday, Carver House, 10:30-13:30)

The Storybook Cafe is a mental health and wellbeing cafe located in the heart of Sheffield. It provides delicious food and drinks, several books and free activities aimed at improving mental health.

Talk on Eating Disorders with Glenn Waller (Wednesday, Psychology Department, 17:00-17:45)

Sheffield University's Mental Health Matters (MHM) Committee have a three part series set up with the Psychology department, who will be leading talks on the three most common mental health problems faced by students and young people.

The other events, which take place on 17 and 24 October, focus on depression and anxiety. Each will include a 30 minute talk by a member of psychology department staff, followed by a 15 minute Q&A.

Committee President Gracie Marlow told us: "MHM is a friendly and welcoming society that campaigns against the stigma surrounding mental health.

We believe that to do that we need to start honest conversations so please feel free to come to one our meetings!

We can be a welcome relief from the stresses of university, listen to anything that is going on or point you towards the people who can support you further!"

Friendly Fridays at Sheffield Mind (Friday, 110 Sharrow Lane, 13:00-15:00)

Sheffield Mind is a leading provider of mental health services in Sheffield. At Friendly Fridays, you can have a chat, buy hot drinks, read magazines, play board games or, for £1, join the art group. Trained Recovery Coaches are available for support and advice.

Help and support on offer across the year in Sheffield

With over 1 in 4 students thought to struggle with mental health while at university, there are a wide range of support services on offer in Sheffield throughout the year. These include:

Nightline, a student-run, confidential and anonymous listening and information service run entirely by volunteers. They are there to talk through any concern, as no problem is too big or too small.

Phone lines are open from 8pm to 8am nightly in term time, and their email service is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a confidential service, and Nightline's phone number is available on the back of your student card. More information can be found here.

Rethink is a nationwide charity helping millions affected by mental illness through challenging attitudes. They directly support almost 60,000 people every year to get through crises, live independently and realise they are not alone. Details on seeking help or getting involved are here.

Sheffield Mind is an independent charity that is affiliated to Mind nationally. Their website states: "We believe that good mental health is fundamental to living a healthy and fulfilling life and to having positive relationships with those around us.

By providing support tailored to each individual's need we can help people overcome their difficulties, become more emotionally resilient and more able to cope positively in the future." Their website is sheffieldmind.co.uk.

Time To Change is a nationwide movement of people changing how we think and act about mental health. They aim to improve public attitudes and behaviour, reduce discrimination and making sure more people can act to end the stigma.

Information on how to get involved can be found at www.time-to-change.org.uk.

Finally, The University Counselling Service (UCS) is the University of Sheffield's own counselling services more information on what can they offer is here.