Flash mobs hit Truro city centre for World Mental Health Day 2011 Thursday 13th October 2011

A series of flash mobs hit Lemon Quay in Truro today on Monday 10 October to mark World Mental Health Day and open up the debate about mental health issues into the public arena.

 People from communities throughout Cornwall performed a specially choreographed dance, commissioned by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly's Health Promotion Service.

The events, at 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 5pm, aimed to raise awareness of just how common mental health issues are: it is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health problem during the course of a year.

Karen Oldham, mental health promotion co-ordinator, said: "Considering these issues are so common, it's amazing how few of us are prepared to speak out and normalise mental ill-health.

"I really wanted to take mental health issues out in the open so we can offer more support to more people. By holding flash mob events, we can surprise the public and spark conversation."

A flash mob is defined as a group of people who suddenly assemble in a public place to perform an unusual act, often for the purposes of entertainment or art.

The World Mental Health Day flash mobs were organised by Event Cornwall, working with dancer and choreographer Sally Williams.

Cornwall-based Sally has been working with community groups in Bodmin, Truro, Falmouth and the Roseland for several weeks, developing a new piece of dance to the piece of music Ain't Got No by Nina Simone.

One of the dancers Rhiannon Sharp, a Year 11 student from Bodmin College, said: "I love dance, and it was really cool to learn something new that's energetic and colourful, with lyrics that mean something. It's made me think a bit more about mental health issues."

Year 8 student Georgina Pollard, also from Bodmin College, added: "I just love dance, and with this I think everyone can get involved. I've performed at the Hall for Cornwall several times before but not danced in a public space like this. It's fun, colourful and bold."

The Health Promotion Service was also on hand at Lemon Quay throughout the day to offer information, advice and support.