ORGANISERS of an event to raise awareness of mental health issues in Wyre Forest say "the message is getting across".

Wyre Forest World Mental Health Day, at Kidderminster Town Hall, featured stalls promoting district services, helped by donations from businesses. Dr Richard Taylor with competition winner Josie Beardsmore, of Foley Park First School.

Organiser Steve Brown, day hospital manager for mental health, Kidderminster Hospital, said it had attracted great interest, while a raffle had raised about £120. He hopes to make next year's event "less formal" with more entertainment.

He said: "The message is getting across - people seem to be less afraid of mental health issues. Gradually we are winning the propaganda war."

He added many were not aware one in four people seek help with mental health at some point in their lives, while one in 100 are affected by the more serious problems such as psychosis or schizophrenia.

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor presented prizes to the winner of a competition to design a logo for Mental Health Day t-shirts.

He said: "Services for mental health are always seen as the poor relation when competing against heart attacks and hip replacements.

"It is very good that mental health day is raising awareness."