PHOTOGRAPHER, Aga Tarnowska, is shaving her head to raise money for charity and her reasons are very compelling.
“I’m shaving my head in honour of people who struggle with their mental health and are not afraid to ask for help,” said Aga.
According to *NHS Health Scotland, one in four people will experience mental health problems in any one year.
“I’m raising money for Scottish charity, Health in Mind, because I’m aware of the importance of mental well-being in all of our daily lives,” she said.
Aga’s shearing will take place at 8pm on Friday 16 August in Hemma Bar at 73, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4AA. Everyone is welcome to come along and cheer Aga on and of course, make a donation on the night or through her Just Giving webpage.
Aga explained that over a year ago she experienced a traumatic accident, which had a big impact on her mobility.
“Dealing with the consequences also affected my own mental health but with a great deal of support from my friends and family, I managed to get through it,” she said.
“Some of my very good friends have also had their own struggles in their lives, and just like me, they have had to go through a really difficult journey.
“I want people to realise how good mental health is as important as good physical health and how having both is important to our own happiness, our friends, family and wider society.
“I would like people to be more open minded about mental health issues, which can affect anyone at any stage in their life.”
Aga believes the work of charities like Health in Mind is important to society as they promote positive mental health and support people who struggle with their own mental health issues.
“I am asking people to support my shearing as they will be supporting Health in Mind and I believe that good mental health and a sense of wellbeing is essential to our quality of life.”
You can support Aga by going along on the night or visiting http://www.justgiving.com/Aga-Tarnowska.
* Source– NHS Scotland, Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid Manual.
ENDS
Further information
You can contact Aga Tarnowska on 077 3839 7973 or via her website – http://www.atarnowska.com/
For further information on Health in Mind, contact Doreen Graham, Health in Mind communications manager on 0131 243 0137.
Notes for Editors
Health in Mind promotes positive mental health and wellbeing in Scotland.
Whether someone uses our services, volunteers, works with us or participates in our training, we want them to benefit from the knowledge and experience which we bring to our work.
Many of our services have been developed in direct response to demand from people who felt that their needs weren’t being met – that often meant undertaking research to understand the concerns; telling people about the issues and developing practical solutions. Our work with BME groups, childhood sexual abuse and information provision all came about in this way.
Health in Mind also provides support, respite and befriending services, as well as day services and counselling/talking therapies – both face to face and on the telephone. So when someone buys into our services, they are also able to access a wealth of understanding and skill around mental health and wellbeing. http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk/
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Health in Mind. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Doreen Graham
Phone: 01312430137
Email: doreen@health-in-mind.org.uk
Website: http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk
