Stronger Minds, Stronger Community as Rochdale Comes Together for World Mental Health Day

Thursday, 16 October 2025 14:13

By David Murphy

Local charities, residents and public figures gather at Riverside One to celebrate emotional wellbeing and mental health support.

Rochdale and District Mind brought the community together for a day of compassion, creativity and connection to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

Held at Riverside One, the event embraced the national theme “Stronger Minds, Stronger Community” by encouraging open conversations about mental health and offering practical tools to support emotional wellbeing.

Attendees were given free “Calm Kits”, tote bags reading “Be Kind To Your Mind”, and the opportunity to take part in mindful activities. These included a popular beaded keyring workshop aimed at promoting calm and creativity.

Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Janet Emsley joined the celebrations, meeting with volunteers, staff and local organisations working on the frontline of mental health support across the borough.

The event also welcomed MP Paul Waugh and Councillor Billy Sheerin, with all three dignitaries showing strong backing for Rochdale and District Mind’s ongoing work.

Visitors explored a range of stalls from local and regional partner organisations, including Petrus, Carers Hub, Home Instead, Samaritans, Deeplish Community Centre, YourTrust, KYP, Alzheimer’s Society, CAMHS, Turning Point and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

The atmosphere remained upbeat and inclusive throughout the day, with engaging video displays and storytelling features showcasing the lived experiences of people who’ve accessed support in Rochdale.

Philip Bramson, chief executive of Rochdale and District Mind, hailed the event as a major success:

“The wide range of stalls from ourselves and our community partners generated huge interest. Several volunteers signed up on the day and many people began to explore mental health support for the first time, whether for themselves or someone close to them.

We were also very pleased to welcome Mayor Janet Emsley, MP Paul Waugh and Councillor Billy Sheerin and appreciate their commitment to improving mental health support across our borough.”

The charity confirmed it made numerous meaningful community connections during the event, helping to signpost residents to services they may not have otherwise known existed.

Rochdale and District Mind will continue delivering workshops and events throughout the year. Residents can visit https://rochdalemind.org.uk or follow the charity on social media for updates.