A ‘PROBLEM-SOLVING booth’ is being set up in Ealing on Tuesday (10) to mark World Mental Health Day.

Between noon and 1.30pm, the booth will be positioned outside Ealing Town Hall and from 3-4.30pm outside Southall Town Hall. 

The booth is seen as an open and inclusive way of helping people to have conversations about mental health, which they might not otherwise have the opportunity to hold.

Mental well-being includes positive feelings, such as happiness and enjoyment. 

It also refers to having good relationships with others, a sense of control and purpose in life and being able to play a full part in family, friendships, workplace and community.

There are five simple steps and changes which everyone can do to make a significant difference to personal mental health.

Connect: Connect with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in the local community.

Be active: Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Do some gardening. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good.

Take notice: Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful and remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends.

Keep learning: Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course you’ve always talked about. Take on a different responsibility at work.

Give: Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group.

Cllr Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for adults and health, said: “If you are struggling, or know someone who is, then I would encourage you to visit the booth. 

“There are times when we all find it useful to talk through problems as things happen in our lives. I’m not immune to this and have found the five steps to better mental health a valuable guide.”

Ealing Council is working with Thrive LDN on the initiative.

If you are in a crisis, you can call West London Mental Health NHS Trust on 0300 1234244.