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Medway march for mental health to go virtual on Facebook after coronavirus halts events

A planned march through the Medway Towns to raise awareness about mental health issues will still go ahead... online.

Darren Adams was planning to get people walking from Gillingham to Rochester this Sunday.

Darren Adams wants to get people talking about mental health.
Darren Adams wants to get people talking about mental health.

However due to the national lockdown, rather than calling the event off, he will be hosting a Facebook Live to encourage people to get talking about mental health.

The 29-year-old – who is from Gillingham and has autism and Auditory Process Disorder (APD) – wanted to stage the event in a show of solidarity for those going through their own issues.

On Sunday, people will be able to tune into the Facebook Live stream on the March for Mental Health page in which he will be talking about his experiences.

Participants are also encouraged to take part in their own live streams and share their experiences.

The West Street resident said: "This will allow people to take part from their home and I am asking people to screenshot from their phone if they are part in the live and use the hashtags to do a 'virtual march'.

The NHS website has advice on how to take care of your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak. Stock image.
The NHS website has advice on how to take care of your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak. Stock image.

"I have gone through the system and it has failed me, and I want to get people to realise I am not the only one.

"My concern is that people are still at home on their own, but even though there is a virus out there, it shouldn't put (mental health issues) on the back foot.

"I am going live on the page and you can see how many other people are watching. I am going to talk about my own experiences and hopefully get the message out there."

The NHS' 'Every Mind Matters' website has specific advice on helping people take care of their mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

It recommends a number of things people can do which include making practical plans, connecting with others, talking about your worries, creating a daily routine and doing things you enjoy.

Charities such as Mind, are also continuing to help people during this time. They also have a dedicated page on their website to help people with anxious feelings and those who have to remain indoors.

To find out more, go to the March for Mental Health Facebook event page.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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