White Rose Shopping Centre marked World Mental Health Day on 10 October with an exhibition of James McInerney’s poetry.
James’ poems were displayed across the floor of the central atrium at the Centre, so that visitors could walk amongst them to discuss and share them with family and friends. The poems were specially selected to promote mindfulness and encourage sharing kindness.
Two of the local mental health charities, Leeds Mind and TakeTen, were there to chat to visitors and offered free brownies, fruit and doughnuts.
White Rose Shopping Centre’s General Manager, Steven Foster, said: “We’re delighted to be working with poet James McInerney, whose work is sure to make our visitors stop and think for a moment. We’re also proud to be working with Leeds Mind and TakeTen, two incredibly valuable organisations in our region. It’s important to open a discussion around mental health, which shouldn’t be a taboo topic.”
Charli Brunning, Leeds Mind, said: “Since Leeds Mind was founded in 1972, we’ve worked to deliver a wide range of services across Leeds. We aim to help people build on their strengths, overcome obstacles, and become more in control of their lives. We support people to discover their own resources, and to live their lives independently with mental health conditions.”
White Rose has produced an autism-friendly guide to the Centre, working alongside local charity Specialist Autism Services. The first Tuesday of every month is Quiet Tuesday, when between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, shoppers can meet, shop and eat whilst the Centre is music-free.
