One Act Foundation hosts mental health awareness walk

One Act Foundation in collaboration with Miss World Guyana, Nuriyyih Gerrard, on Saturday morning hosted a Mental Health Awareness Walk aimed at educating Guyanese on mental health issues.
Under the theme, “Thrive, Live without Stigma”, the walk was held at National Park, Georgetown, and culminated a short programme.
The walk saw a fair turnout with many persons pledging their support for the worthy cause.
All clothed in green, the walkers enthusiastically displayed their interest in spreading awareness of the issue of mental illness.
Speaking with Guyana Times, the Vice President of the Foundation, Randolph Critchlow said the event was planned as Guyana prepares to observe Mental Health Day on October 10.
“This was the first walk that we organised and there are much more, leading up to Mental Health Day. So hopefully people will be aware now of Mental Health Day and join the cause.”
He further talked of an app which is to be launched on Mental Health Day allowing persons to have access to mental health workers.
“The App will be available for download after October 10 and will provide the public with information on Mental Health issues as well as provide assistance for those suffering with mental health issues.”
Miss World Guyana Nuriyyih Gerrard, who is an advocate on the topic, also spoke on the event.
“We are completely excited, humbled and privileged to be a part of this. The aim of this walk is basically to promote mental awareness and we decided that to do it at the National Park on the fitness trail because we recognised that this is a really good environment for people who want to remain fit and when we talk about fitness.”
She noted that mental health is not just about your physical self but also your mental fitness, as the two go hand in hand.
“We really want people to begin to develop that understanding of the importance of fitness and basically that this simple activity, walking is known to boost your mood which is really good for your mental health because it reduces feel good chemical which will enhance how you feel.”
Persons who are interested in joining the One Act Foundation are asked to contact the Public Health Ministry.
The public is also invited to come out and participate as this event and all leading up to and on October 10 are free to the public.