Sunday Express editor to give book talk

WATCHING a Flamenco dance performance and taking an opportunity to learn yoga are just two of the many ways visitors can celebrate the upcoming World Mental Health Day.

A day of activities will be providedpn Friday, 10 October at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge, and will be topped off by a talk about mental health issues from an award winning author.

Martin Townsend, editor of the Sunday Express, will be talking to visitors about his book 'The Father I had', winner of the Mind book awards, which is about his experiences of living with a father who had bi-polar disorder.

He will be signing copies and there will be opportunities to buy his book for substantially discounted prices.

The programme of the days events will kick off at 12.30pm with activities beginning at 2pm.

They include an Asian women's drama presentation, from Hillingdon Mind, and presentations of personal journeys of mental well-being, from Hayes Conversation and Citizen Group.

Phil Kenny, Counselling Manager at Hillingdon Mind, who are helping organise the day, said: "We are hoping to get well over 100 people come along, it is a great annual event, and a great chance to educate people about mental illnesses."

Art exhibitions will also be on display and there will also be a creative writing workshop taking place.
The more active can take part in the yoga taster sessions, and for those that get out of breath just from watching, the Flamenco dance performance will provide an energetic and entertaining display.

Martin Townsend will talk about his book from 5.30pm before closing remarks at 6.15pm from Ted Hill, Director of Hillingdon Associaion of Voluntray Services (HAVS).

The events will take place in Committee Rooms four and five at the Civic Centre and there will be refreshments available throughout the day.

Hillingdon libraries are also running events on the day, for more information about the event contact Priscilla Simpson on 01895 277140.