Mental health day celebration aims to beat stigma

Peterborough's World Mental Health Day celebration is to be held in Cathedral Square

A city’s first World Mental Health Day celebration aims to encourage conversations and beat the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

The event, which is being held in Peterborough’s Cathedral Square on Saturday, has been organised by Peterborough Prime - a charity that supports people who are experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.

Nabil Ilahi founded the organisation two years ago after he experienced similar struggles following his move from Kenya to Peterborough in 2017.

He hoped the event would “bring communities together” and provide an opportunity to “share and celebrate people’s stories in a safe and positive space”.

Nabil Ilahi, 22, hopes his journey will inspire others to have open conversations on mental health issues

'Start of a movement'

The event will be attended by the Mayor of Peterborough, Marco Cereste, and the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Dr Nik Johnson. They will be joined by GPs and medical professionals from the city.

Food and crafts stores and live entertainment will be on offer for attendees.

Mr Ilahi said that he would be sharing his story and hoped that doing so “inspires others to have open conversations” about their challenges. He added the event could be the “start of a movement” to raise awareness of mental health issues.

“I have lived experience of being homeless… I felt getting help was difficult and challenging,” he said.

“With the organisation and this event as well, I hope to make others' journeys easier with preventing situations and getting them to access to the right help.

“I lost my job after a car accident and then became homeless and was sleeping rough for six weeks before a friend took me in. I have worked hard and I am back on my feet and I am grateful to my friends and family for the support.

“I hope people share their stories and promote awareness which can help others in their journeys.

“I also hope the event will create a positive image for the city centre.

“The aim of the mental health day celebration is to raise awareness and unite the community on this important cause in a safe space.”