BOLTON is pulling out all the stops to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

A "Minds Do Matter" campaign will run from October 5 to 12 and incorporate World Mental Health Day on Thursday October 10.

This year's theme is about taking positive steps to look after ourselves and others.

On October 5 between 10am and 2pm New Bury Drop In at Farnworth is holding an autumn fayre at the Community Centre on Buckley Lane. There will be stalls and a bouncy castle. Stalls are available at £5.

On October 7 from 10am and 1pm there will be an arts and crafts exhibition at Halliwell Drop In Centre at Wolfenden Community Centre.

Bolton Mental Health Support Council is holding a coffee morning on October 8 at its offices on Chorley New Road.

And at 7.30pm the Bolton Association and Network of Drop-Ins and Park Lodge will hold a concert at Hawthorns Nightclub on Spa Road, starring Crucifer, The One Nighters and Back Street Blues with disco. Tickets are £1.

Bolton Carers Support Project will host a carers' coffee morning on October 9 at Bridge House on Pool Street, Bolton.

From 1 to 4pm on the same day the "Moving On" will feature a display of information about the range of opportunities for people experiencing mental health problems at Bolton Employment Support Team, Bolton Market, Ashurner Street.

At 3.15pm Active Minds are holding an open meeting at Westhoughton Community Centre, Central Drive.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day and at 10am the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton will unveil a totem pole in the Town Hall Square.

There will be a display of information throughout the day. In the evening the Mental Health Directorate are holding a firework display at Bolton General Hospital, From 7 to 11pm there will be a karaoke at the Moses Gate pub, Farnworth.

Friday, October 11 will feature a display of information at the Farnworth canopy. A free treasure hunt around Farnworth will begin at 11am. From 1.30-3.30pm Halliwell Drop In Centre and Sahara are organising an Asian food tasting and music session at Wolfenden Community Centre.

At 11am there will be the grand opening of the Friday Contact Gardens at the United Reformed Church, Tonge Moor.

The week will conclude with a display of information in the town hall square and the playbus from 10am to 4pm.

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