A SERIES of free public events are being held at Bournemouth University to mark World Mental Health Day.

The four-day programme will discuss key themes including how mental health affects carers, people who are homeless and the LGBT community.

Figures reveal one in four people will have mental health problems in their life with an estimated 130,000 people in Dorset with a diagnosable mental health condition now.

The event begins on the official awareness day on Monday, October 10 with a focus on carers.

Bournemouth University will launch a video in partnership with Dorset Mental Health Forum, Dorset HealthCare and Bournemouth Borough Council, highlighting the experience of those who care for people with mental health issues.

Speakers throughout the week will visit to give both personal and professional accounts of various mental health issues and there will also be information stands to provide advice and support.

Mental health campaigner Dr Andrew Mayers, a psychologist at Bournemouth University and a patron for Dorset Mind, will host two talks at the event.

He said: “The World Mental Health Day events at Bournemouth University provide an important opportunity to keep talking about mental health. Each day has a specific theme, all focusing on the impact of mental health.

“We are particularly proud to be launching our new mental health carers video on Monday. The role of carers is all too often overlooked, especially in terms of the impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

“On Tuesday we look at some of the challenges of providing mental health services in the community. While, on the Wednesday we explore how homelessness and mental ill health are intertwined, and we look at the need for emotional support for armed forces personnel. To complete the week, on Thursday, we have a series of talks exploring mental health needs for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

“It is essential we tackle stigma surrounding mental health. There are a few ways to do this, one is education with events like this and to make it okay to talk about it.”

The events have been organised by the university in conjunction with Borough of Poole, Dorset HealthCare, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Dorset Mental Health Forum, Dorset Mind and Healthwatch Dorset.

To see the full programme and book onto events, go to http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/world-mental-health-day-2016-11189768895