by proadAccountId-415493
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22 Feb, 2021
Hundreds attend all day webinar to discuss, educate and debate mental health Topics include mental health in the workplace, how the pandemic has affected children and good mood food to boost the brain. Archant’s annual ‘Open Up’ event went virtual this year for members of the public to learn more about mental health and fight the stigma. Held on Friday 12th February, a diverse range of speakers gave up their time for free to discuss mental health awareness, which of course, has never been more prevalent following the COVID pandemic and lockdown. The day began with an early morning exercise followed by an open debate hosted live by BBC Radio Norfolk. Former Blue Peter presenter and Sky Sports host Simon Thomas joined the EDP’s Dave Powles to discuss dealing with grief, following the death of his wife three years ago, whilst MIND ambassador Maire Grieves explained in conversation with Archant’s Tom Kay how she managed to overcome severe depression to regain control of her life and help others. Other interviews included Brit award winning Humphrey Berney who revealed he is planning a special concert in memory of his sister who took her own life following a battle with mental health – and TV presenter Dr Jess French who talked about the pressures of having a young family in lockdown. There were also mindfulness sessions for all to get involved in, a debate on mental health in the workplace with local business leaders and an insightful nutritional piece with experts from the UEA talking about the food and drink that boosts brain health, which ended with a simple to cook recipe, whipped up by Michelin star chef Galton Blackiston. David Powles, co-creator of Open Up said "After the success of the first Open Up conference 12 months ago, in which hundreds of people attended and many said how helpful they'd found it, we were keen to make it an annual thing. In fact, given the struggles many are currently facing, it felt more important than ever before. Lockdown presented a big challenge, however, and we were concerned people were growing tired of spending their time on their computers and laptops watching another thing over zoom. But we were able to pull together a fantastic programme of interesting and varied speakers and debates. All of them had something relevant to add to the conversation and that's why I think the day itself was such a success." Steve Maddams, co-creator of Open Up said "I’m delighted the event was so well received with so much effort being made by the team. With this virtual event coming after our inaugural ‘physical’ one last March, we at Archant really are helping tackle the huge issue of mental health and wellbeing in Norfolk and beyond. We look forward to working on the next one alongside Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust, CCG and Norfolk County Council." Leading illustrator Rebecca Osbourne was also on hand through the day to capture the key points of the discussions. (Mental Health in the workplace, hosted by Archant's Tom Kay pictured )