On Friday 3 February, PAPYRUS attended the It’s Mental Live 2023: The Ultimate Wellbeing Event at University of Bolton Stadium.
Hosted by the mental health organisation, It’s Mental, in partnership with Bolton Wanderers in the Community, the event was a powerful platform for mental health and wellbeing advocacy, bringing together a diverse group of businesses, organisations and individuals who share the ultimate goal of enhancing welfare.
As a leading voice in the UK’s suicide prevention space, we were honoured to be a part of the event, which aimed to raise awareness, break down stigma, improve wellbeing and provide support to those affected by mental health. The event was attended by a range of wellbeing experts, including wellness coaches, mental health activists and inspirational speakers who shared their insights and experiences with the audience. We were grateful to be one of the many charities and organisations who were invited to host a stall at the event, where we had the opportunity to speak with attendees about the work of PAPYRUS and how we can work together to enhance wellbeing in young people.
The event, which was a first of its kind in Bolton, covered a range of topics, from personal experience with mental health, coping with anxiety, managing money, improving nutrition and building a positive workplace culture. Many of the attending stalls and visitors were keen to talk with the PAPYRUS team about youth mental health, with a number of people visiting our stall to discuss the challenges faced by young people today and requesting advice around early intervention and how to support mental wellbeing in young people.
Throughout the day, we were inundated with positive feedback for our HOPELINE247 service, with many members of the public complimenting its existence and the support it provides to both young people experiencing thoughts of suicide, and concerned others who need advice for supporting a loved one.
The impressive venue was divided into 10 different zones which all focused on a unique area of health and wellbeing. From dedicated ‘Sports and Activity’, ‘Nutrition’ and ‘Physical Health’ zones, to areas designated to ‘Financial Wellbeing’, ‘Workplace Wellbeing’, and ‘Positive Coaching’, the event truly was the ultimate wellbeing experience. Not to mention the ‘Givers Gain Zone’, which saw PAPYRUS’s Marketing and Communications Officer, Rachel Martin take to the stage to deliver a talk on the impactful work the organisation delivers across the UK.
Taking to the main stage over the course of the day were globally renowned sports personalities, including former footballer Steven Reid who spoke openly about his experience with chronic anxiety which has recently inspired him to leave his sporting career and train as a counsellor and wellbeing mentor. Steven was also joined by other sportspeople including Fabrice Muamba, Sam Jollah, Josh Charnley and Mike Newman who also shared their personal experiences with mental health and stressed the importance of looking after your wellbeing – both physically and emotionally.
The event offered us the opportunity to connect with likeminded organisations and individuals who share our passion for improving mental health outcomes in young people. It was an influential space to collaborate and exchange ideas about innovating new and existing techniques to improve and manage good mental health.
It’s Mental Live 2023 was a powerful and inspiring event that highlighted the importance of mental health and the role that everyone can play in promoting wellbeing. Our team is proud to have been a part of this important conversation and we look forward to continuing to work towards a brighter future for mental health.
With next year’s event already confirmed, we’re looking forward to bringing the presence of PAPYRUS back to Bolton Stadium in 2024.
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
