Sky Sharma Foundation provides support for those struggling with mental health (credit: Sky Sharma Foundation)
The Sky Sharma Foundation is hosting the event at Fullwell Cross Library on Saturday, 14 September.
Neelam Sharma set the charity up in September 2015, following the death of her son, who suffered from mental health issues himself.
With 16 million people in the UK experiencing mental illness, the foundation was set up to help people regardless of their age, gender, beliefs, race and ethnicity.
Neelam said: “The younger generation are very reluctant to talk about their feelings and emotions. Having lost my son, he was not talking or anything. It made me feel as a mother, you need to do something about it.
“Anyone whos suffering or knows someone whos suffering, they can go to any of the stallholders that they feel comfortable with and they can talk to them.
“We will have our own stalls, so if there’s anybody that, due to culture issues or something, they want to talk about it – we’re here to listen.”
Sky Sharma passed away at 21-years-old in September 2015
With suicide the leading cause of death in young men and women from age 20-34 in the UK, the event will include information stalls and a place to ask for help.
Life coach and hypnotherapist, Jo Dealey, who works with the charity, believes a lot of problems start with feelings of isolation.
She said: “They might have social media, Facebook, Instagram but there’s a huge sense of loneliness and that seems to be growing in all ages.
“We’re thinking about how we can put together a community, cup of tea, come along have a chat in a non-judgemental environmental.”
The event is open 11am to 2pm.
Alternatively, if you or someone you know, is suffering from mental illness and needs someone to talk to – please contact Samaritans by calling 116 123. It’s completely free to call and you can contact them at any time.
Tags: Redbridge, Dagenham and Redbridge
