On Saturday 12  October Shine Bright UK held its annual event to celebrate World Mental Health Day (official date 10^th October) at Southborough High School, Surbiton.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October.

The day is about coming together to show everyone that mental health matters, to reduce stigma and discrimination.

The annual event, a fashion and talent show, brings people together for a relaxed and enjoyable evening and celebrates amazing achievements by members who have attended Shine Bright programmes.

The event was a fashion and talent show (Credit: Shine Bright UK)

Making new friends, exercise for better health and fitness, learning new skills and confidence building are just some of the success stories from members' testimonials.

The event was a great success, held on an elevated stage area for the first time.

Performances included Zumba for fitness, Yoga, Singing, Writing (as spoken word on stage) and Drumming for wellbeing.

Boards around the hall exhibited information on other mental health and wellbeing and community organisations and charities, including Kingston Adult Education, Mind and Samaritans.

Also showcased was an inspirational art display and photos of delicious dishes by members from the Healthy Cooking on a Budget courses.

The evening included performers from the local community: dancing by The Kingston Chinese Association, a Saheli group of Indian ladies, a Korean dance by Audrey and a Michael Jackson tribute dance by Danny.

 The singing included the lovely voices of Sam, Raya and Felina and free Henna tattooing was supplied by Indian Pageant.

Sustainable fashion was provided and sold by Save the World Club. Food was supplied for guests by Peppe's and The Cheeky Pea.

The raffle included prizes from John Lewis Kingston, the Asda foundation, and White Spider Climbing.

With special guest support from their worshipfulness the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames, Liz Green joined in with the Zumba, and the event was a great success and enjoyed by all.

Using NHS guidelines, Shine Bright UK provides empowerment workshops, courses, events and other activities in different areas and venues in and around Kingston-upon-Thames.

By providing workshops and activities run by professionals, Shine Bright UK hopes that individuals will be able to gain tools and skills to support them but also to help prevent or manage any mental health issues. 

Shine Bright UK signposts users who access our services towards professional services where necessary.

Its workshops and activities are inclusive and free, though workshop days, times and venues vary.

Most workshops are on for an hour a week for 6 weeks. 

All the courses and events have been successful, and numbers of members are growing. 

The new winter course programme will be starting in November. 

For more information visit Shine Bright UK's website.