‘How can we promote good mental health and wellbeing?’ is the timely question being debated at a major conference in south London this month.

The Welling-based Bridge charity, which supports 1,000 local people each year with mental health issues, is marking its 30th anniversary by bringing together leading experts to discuss the latest thinking in wellbeing.

The event at Devonport House, Greenwich on Thursday, 23rd February is free to attend and some tickets are still available by contacting Julie Leggatt at jleggatt@wlcreative.org.uk or call 0208 726 7968.

Among the speakers will be writer and mental health campaigner Rachel Kelly (pictured). She'll be joined by TV director Peter Beard (pictured), who’ll talk about his BAFTA winning Channel Four series Bedlam pn the South London & Maudsley NHS Psychiatric Hospital.

Keynote speaker Rachel, a former Times journalist who has written three books about coping strategies after suffering serious depressive episodes in her thirties, is currently working with the Wellcome Foundation on an event about the effects of nutrition on mental health.

“What is brilliant about the Bridge conference is that people with different areas of expertise are coming together to share best practice,” said Rachel.

“There are very good evidence based strategies for different approaches to mental health problems. “One size does not fit all. "

The Bridge conference is being held a month after Prime Minister Theresa May announced a new government initiative to “transform” attitudes to mental health. Government figures show that one in four people have a mental health problem at some point in their life, with an annual cost of £105bn.

Bridge, which assists more than 1,000 people a year in the Welling and Greenwich area, is delighted to be bringing so many experts together to discuss this timely issue.

“Our clients’ wellbeing is at the heart of what we do and why we do it,” said Bridge Chief Executive Officer, Raymond Sheehy, who will chair the conference.

“On 23rd February, we are inviting people to join us as we share our experience, along with other experts, on what really works in supporting those with mental health problems and to discuss the future of wellbeing services.”

To find out more visit www.bridgementalhealth.org or contact Julie Leggatt at jleggatt@wlcreative.org.uk.

Submitted by Beverley Morrison