Sunflowers have popped up in some of Leeds parks in April. They’re a reminder from Leeds NHS to take care of your mental health and give you information on how to get help if you need it. The sunflowers are at Armley Park, Banstead Park, Kirkstall Abbey, Pudsey Park, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam.
Each 1.2 metre ‘plant’ is a symbol of strength, positivity and happiness, and carries the words: ‘Looking after your mind is just as important as looking after you body’. There’s a QR code which people can activate by smartphone to access a NHS web page with mental health support resources.
Dr Jason Broch, a GP in Leeds and Clinical Chair at NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG): “We know that the past 12 months has put an enormous strain on many people’s mental health. Getting out and about into nature is a great way to boost the mood, so what better way to reach people than in some of the City’s most popular parks and green spaces.
The sunflower is a symbol of strength, positivity and happiness and provides an eye-catching way to promote mental health awareness, as well as reminding people of the importance of looking after their mental health and the support they can access to help with their mental health.
We’re delighted that Leeds City Council has let us use their parks for this campaign and hope that the new giant sunflowers will catch people’s eye and scan the QR code, so people know what support is available if they need it.”
The NHS Leeds CCG website includes information and support services for adults and young people who may be suffering from mental health issues. See www.supportnhsleeds.co.uk/mentalhealth for more information.
