A SPECIAL drop-in session has been organised in Oldbury to give people across the borough the opportunity to walk-in and discuss mental health issues.

Staff from a range of Sandwell Council services are joining forces at the get-together, organised by the Community Mental Health Social Work Teams, to raise mental health awareness and to help reduce stigma.

Social workers and commissioners from adult social care, along with colleagues from occupational health, public health and learning and development will be at Oldbury Library, in Jack Judge House, on Tuesday (October 10) between 9.30am and 4pm.

They will be on hand to talk to anyone who lives or works in the borough about steps everyone can take to improve mental health as Sandwell marks World Mental Health Day.

They are also offering advice to anyone considering social work as a career, or to social workers wishing to undertake the training to become an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP).

Councillor Ann Shackleton, cabinet member for social care, said: “This is an important issue because it is vital that people do realise that mental health needs attention just like your physical health.

“The council has come up with various ways people can seek help or advice and I would urge anyone who wants to get assistance follows up the links to help.”

For more information about careers in mental health social work email: careers_insocialcare@sandwell.gov.uk or go to www.wmjobs.co.uk.

The council’s public health team in partnership with local residents and other stakeholders have come up with a Feel Good 6 campaign.

Cllr Shackleton added: “It focuses on six actions that we can do that will have a positive impact on wellbeing – connect, move, notice, learn, give and talk.”