CoolTan Arts believes mental wellbeing is enhanced by the power of creativity

Press release Mental Health is Everyones Business Most people experience mental distress at some point in their life, either personally or through a family member or friend.
Celebrate World Mental Health Day with CoolTan Arts Largactyl Shuffle Saturday 15th October 2011, 11.30am Start: Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 8AZ (outside the main entrance) Finish: Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG
Join CoolTan Arts BIG Largactyl Shuffle Sponsored Walk from Maudsley Hospital to Tate Modern. This years guided cultural walk is entitled No Health without Mental Health and delves into the history and social impact of the NHS, From cradle to grave since 1948. Participate in CoolTan Arts sponsored walk, celebrate World Mental Health Day, raise money for CoolTan Arts and help de-stigmatise mental health. Everyone is welcome! Comedian and broadcaster Arthur Smith will be supporting CoolTan Arts, as our Largactyl Shuffle Sponsored Walk patron 2011. Join us for a day of laughter and culture. He says: Supporting CoolTans Sponsored Walk and Promoting World Mental Health Day this year, is something I am pleased to do especially as I have had friends and family who have suffered clinical depression. Since I love both walking and London I am very much looking forward to the walk and to discovering more about Southwark, the area I grew up in. As an occasional (unreliable) tour guide I may need to point out places of interest myself. I am also looking forward to meeting those who'll be at the sponsored Shuffle - kicking the system's boredom into touch. There will be breaks, poetry readings and other surprises along the route. The walk finishes with a reception and refreshments at Tate Modern: an opportunity to relax and get to know each other. The walk is 5 miles and is suitable for people with disabilities and wheel chair users. Our friendly CoolTan guides will be there to help you. Please bring a packed lunch and drinks, wear suitable clothes and sensible footwear. Get involved and sign up now to register, please complete and return a registration form along with a registration fee (5 unwaged; 10 waged; non-refundable). Download the form from www.cooltanarts.org.uk or contact CoolTan Arts on 020 7701 2696 or email info@cooltanarts.org.uk. CoolTan Arts staff, volunteers, participants and supporters will fundraise for the charity on this walk. After you have registered, you can choose to be sponsored by friends and family. CoolTan Arts can provide you with a sponsorship form or you can set up a page on http://www.justgiving.com/cooltanarts. Any contributions will be much appreciated, or you can sponsor our walkers on http://www.justgiving.com/cooltanartssponsoredwalk2011. Or support CoolTan Arts Sponsored Walk by texting a donation. Simply send COOL96 3 to 70070 to make a 3 donation, or any other 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10. Its quick and simple.

Notes to editors: CoolTan Arts believes mental wellbeing is enhanced by the power of creativity. It is a pioneering arts and mental health charity run by and for people with mental distress and exists to inspire the wellbeing and creative participation of a diverse range of people through the production of quality arts. Reg. Charity Nr. 1064231 The Largactyl Shuffle is named after the oldest anti-psychotic drug Largactil that can have extreme physical side effects including a distinctive shambolic gait, or shuffling. World Mental Health Day is a unified effort to promote greater public awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness. Every year, thousands of people across the world raise awareness and funds for mental health causes. World Mental Health Day was started by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992. Patrons: Arthur Smith, Maggi Hambling, Rosemary Shrager Sokari Douglas Camp, Ali Smith, Clare Allan. Further information is available from Susan McNally, Largactyl Shuffle Development Manager, 020 7701 2696 or 0798 565 8443, susan@cooltanarts.org.uk , http://www.cooltanarts.org.uk .