Norfolk and Waveney lit up blue for World Mental Health Day 2023

Norfolk glowed blue from King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth last night as buildings across the county were illuminated to mark World Mental Health Day.

The Do Blue campaign organised by the mental health charity Norfolk and Waveney Mind saw numerous landmarks lit up blue to raise awareness of mental health in our region.

And people all over Norfolk and Waveney showed their support by ‘doing blue’ too – some by dressing all in blue for the day, others by dyeing their hair or selling blue cakes to raise money.

Cromer Pier was lit blue for the first time last night, and other buildings illuminated included King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Blickling Hall and the Market Gates shopping centre in Great Yarmouth.

Pete Boczko, chief executive of Norfolk and Waveney Mind, said: “It was fantastic to see so much support for our Do Blue campaign yesterday. Every building that was lit up blue will have sparked a conversation about mental health and raised awareness of our mission to ensure that no one in Norfolk and Waveney should have to face poor mental health alone.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and ensured people keep talking about this hugely important issue. From dressing in blue to selling blue cakes, you helped raise funds and awareness that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

As well as landmark buildings, a host of businesses, schools and colleges, and hundreds of individuals turned our region into a sea of blue to highlight the importance of tackling the growing problem of poor mental health.

Councillor Cate Oliver, cabinet member for wellbeing and culture at Norwich City Council, said: “Good mental wellbeing is so important for the overall health of our city and at the council addressing this is at the heart of many of our initiatives.

“These range from measures to help reduce social isolation amongst our most vulnerable residents, to enabling a good work-life balance for the colleagues who deliver our services.

“We’re proud to support Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s ‘Do Blue’ campaign on World Mental Health Day to help raise awareness of their vital work with people in our region.”

This year with services coming under increasing pressure, the region’s leading local mental health charity is asking for more support to fund its work at every stage from prevention to crisis intervention.

All funds raised by people taking part in Do Blue events can be donated via Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s Do Blue online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/campaign/doblue2023

Mental health issues affect all of us, whether directly or by impacting someone we know. Up to 84 per cent of people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. One in three GP visits is associated with a mental health issue, and in Norfolk, one in seven people lives with depression or anxiety.

To find out more about the Do Blue campaign, visit norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk/do-blue. For any other questions, contact Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s fundraising team on 0300 330 5488 Option 2 or email fundraising@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one then it is important to seek support.

For information, resources and a list of all of Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s services, including its new REST Community Hubs, visit www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk or call 03003305488.
For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 option 2.