A MAJOR focus on mental health issues is to be held in Pendle next week as part of a worldwide initiative.

Events, including an awards presentation and social night, have been planned to take place from October 6 -10 to coincide with World Mental Health Week.

Yvonne Statham, mental health programme development co-ordinator at Nelson and Colne College which is playing a leading role in the project, said: "The week is a unique opportunity for a wider variety of groups and organisations to raise awareness of mental health. "This year's theme is positive images, positive steps, with special focus on surviving life's events such as bereavement, redundancy, relationship break-up, becoming a parent.

"These can affect anyone at any time and may lead to mental distress."

The organisers are to link with the new community health shop opened in Nelson last week by the Pakistani Welfare Association where help and advice will be available.

The week will culminate with a celebration night at the Silverman Hall, Nelson, during which there will be an awards presentation by college assistant principal Dr Wyn Smith to students on the One Step at a Time programme and other mainstream courses. The night will also include live music and a disco.

Other events planned include a public awareness launch at Asda, Colne, on Monday and a fashion parade, Leeds Road Resource Centre, Nelson, on Tuesday..

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