Milton Keynes Council, with support from intu Milton Keynes and the local 5 Ways to Wellbeing partnership has launched a week long exhibition of residents’ photographs as part of its ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ campaign at intu Milton Keynes this week - which is also Mental Health Awareness Week.
The ‘Take Notice’ competition showcases the positive impact that slowing down and taking notice of your surroundings can have on your mental health.
From more than 100 entries, two overall winners have been chosen in each class (5-16 and 16 and over) who will each receive a £25 intu Milton Keynes gift card, a copy of the photo book ‘Unexpected MK’ by Gill Prince - released to celebrate Milton Keynes 50th birthday - and they will have their winning image framed and hung in the intu Milton Keynes south concourse area for the remainder of Milton Keynes 50th birthday year.
Derys Pragnell, head of public health for Milton Keynes Council, highlighted the importance of the exhibition:“It is important to become more open to talking about mental health; not only the problems people experience but also the positive effects of things like the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. If these images and the stories that go with them help to get people talking, or encourage them to get outside and find their own piece of calm in our city, then it can only be a good thing.”
Kirsty McGiff, Marketing manager, intu Milton Keynes, also explained why they wanted to be involved: “We’re delighted to have supported Milton Keynes Council to help deliver the ‘5 Ways’ photographic competition; the final selection of images of Milton Keynes are stunning and have been extremely popular with our guests.
"This is a great initiative for MK50 that showcases the diversity of Milton Keynes, each from a different perspective while raising awareness of mental health. I would encourage everyone to visit the exhibition while it’s in the centre,” she added.
To find out more about how to Take Notice* and 5 Ways to Wellbeing MK*, including information on the competition mentioned above, visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/5waysmk.
Search Mental Health Awareness Week 2017 to find out more about the week and undertake a short survey to find your mental health score.
