A READING shopping centre is to help promote positive mental health next week with a series of special events.
Broad St. Mall is organising the sessions as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday, May 13, through to Sunday, May 19.
The aim is to celebrate the little things that make a big difference with positive wellbeing.
Sessions will be free to take part in and will be in the centre, on social media and on its website.
It starts on Monday, with a chance to win a self-care hamper. This contest will run on social media.
Tuesday’s theme is Love A Little, and sees a partnership with mental health charity Together for Mental Wellbeing, who support individuals struggling with their mental health by empowering them with the tools to move forward on a positive journey.
The event includes pieces from its art and poetry exhibition created by their patients.
Wednesday’s theme is Move A Little and will see Yoga Reading’s experts offer advice online.
The following day, the theme is Dance A Little, and Yoga Reading’s mascot Topsy pays a visit to Broad St Mall to dance the Macarena or the Cha Cha Slide.
It is also #WearItGreenDay, there will be free hugs and a chance to donate to the Mental Health Foundation.
On Friday, May 17, and Sunday, May 19, the centre will promote Laugh A Little and Learn A Little on social media and in-store.
And on Saturday, May 18, Care A Little Day has a focus on self-care, with prizes to be won.
The focus is a self-care experience that gives the winner or a loved one a little ‘me’ time at the centre. People should head to the centre’s social media platforms to take part.
And throughout May, Broad St. Mall’s website will provide inspiration around ‘the little things’ people can do every day to boost their mental wellbeing, plus lots of local resources that people can tap into to support their everyday wellbeing.
The resources will continue to be available beyond Mental Health Awareness Week too.
Steven Connolly, centre manager at Broad St. Mall, said: “Positive Mental Health is a cause very close to the hearts of those at the centre, so everyone at Broad St. Mall is getting behind this cause this year at a time when mental health awareness and offering ways to support a positive state of mind has never been more important.
“Retailers are being encouraged to wear green to reinforce the importance of this cause and they will continue to endorse and support it beyond the week itself, too.
“We hope our customers will get on board and take away key ‘little things’ that they can easily implement at home from all the resources on offer, that make a positive, lasting difference to their everyday lives.”
For more information on The Little Things campaign, visit: www.broadstreetmall.com