Published: 24/09/2021
The Tank Museum is setting out to help people stay ‘On Track’, with a day dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.
On Thursday 7th October there will be a variety of sessions, which will also be live-streamed here so servicemen and women around the world can tune in.
Current serving military personnel and emergency services employees are invited to the daytime events, with the evening sessions open to everyone. This is the second ‘On Track’ event, the first was held before the Covid pandemic, and there has been much demand to hold another!
Rosanna Dean, Visitor Experience General Manager at The Tank Museum, said: “We will have a number of exhibitors and expert speakers leading sessions. We are holding it to mark World Mental Health Day which is on the 10th.
“The objective is to help reduce stigma about mental health issues among the military and emergency services, provide a safe space for people to speak in and offer help and advice.
“We will be hearing from individuals who have stories to tell that might help and inspire others. We will also be exploring the benefits of nutrition, mindfulness and physical fitness for good mental health.
“Following our first On Track event in 2019 we had a lot of positive feedback, but we couldn’t hold one last year because of the pandemic.
“All sessions will be live-streamed on YouTube and information about the event will be on the museum’s website. We’re being supported by a number of partners who have come together because of the importance of the subject.”
Partners of On Track include Dorset’s Police Crime Commissioner, local brewers Hall & Woodhouse, Dorset Mental Health Forum, Bournemouth University and Dorset Armed Forces Covenant. Some are helping subsidise the event and others are supporting it by offering advice and services during the event.
Kev Moore, Project Manager from the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant, said: “On Track is hugely important to Dorset’s armed forces community; it is one of our main events and is attracting interest from around the South-West region.
“It plays an import role in recognising the unique sacrifices made by our armed forces, and ensures they can access the support they need.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said “I am delighted that my office has been able to fund the ‘On Track’ event this year through the OPCC Community Grant Scheme.
“This event demonstrates a commitment to support all the emergency services who have been at the vanguard of combatting the pandemic and I hope there will be a wealth of mental health and wellbeing support to officers and staff through the talks and workshops that are on offer. “
Layne Hamerston, community partnerships manager at Bournemouth University, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting On Track to show our support for the emergency and military services and the work they do. Two BU experts will be on hand to share their knowledge on issues of mental health, and we’re grateful to The Tank Museum for hosting this important event.”
Discover more about the On Track event and book your place here.
