Preparations are well in hand to mark Mental Health Week from Monday October 9 to Sunday October 15.

Since one in four of us will suffer a mental health problem at some point in our lives, it’s worth stopping for a minute to consider what you could do if someone dear to you became sick in this way.

Castlemilk Stress Centre is offering a variety of events during the Week (see advert page 5) and secondary schools across the South East will have information on all aspects of mental health provided by the School Nursing Service at lunch time.

An innovative FREE programme is available to learn how to spot the signs of a mental health problem, how to give help in that situation, and how to deal with a crisis situation and guide the sufferer to professional help.

Essentially a First Aid Course for mental health, details can be obtained by email from: a.robertson887@ntlworld.com or phone Anne on 0141 560 3035.

This will be open to parents and carers of young people in the South East areas of the city and will take place in Eastbank Resource Centre in Shettleston on Monday October 23 and Tuesday October 24. But don’t waste time, booking closes on Wednesday September 20 for this free course.

In Castlemilk, the Health Spot operates in the Health Centre every Wednesday for two hours starting at 3.45. This offers confidential health services – including mental health services – to young people aged between 12 and 25.

The Jenniburn Centre is the place to be on Thursday nights between 7pm and 9pm. Again, exclusively for young people between 12 and 25. Starting on Thursday September 28, and for the following two Thursdays, art work sessions will be on offer. They will enable informal discussion around mental health topics to be opened up and to access information and advice.

At Castlemilk Stress Centre at 109 Stravanan Road many therapies and de-stressing services are available regardless of age,where you live or work. On Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm till 8.30pm part of the premises is reserved for young people aged between 12 and 25. Appointments can be arranged by phoning 0141 630 0111.