SAMBA dancing was among the entertainment at an event designed to dispel the stigma around mental illness.Four bands including the Suffolk School of Samba were at the Caribbean Centre in Woodbridge Road, Ipswich to celebrate World Mental Health Day.

SAMBA dancing was among the entertainment at an event designed to dispel the stigma around mental illness.

Four bands including the Suffolk School of Samba were at the Caribbean Centre in Woodbridge Road, Ipswich to celebrate World Mental Health Day.

The event was organised by groups including the Ipswich Outreach Team form the Local Health Partnerships Trust, the Richmond Fellowship, Suffolk Carers Mental Health Project, and East Suffolk MIND.

"One in four people experience some form of mental illness in any one year," said Raza Ahmed , Outreach Team case manager.

"Despite these high numbers, mental illness is often seen as something to be ashamed of, which of course it is not.

"The aim of the event is to help dispel the stigma associated with mental illness by raising awareness of the reality of mental health, rather than the myth. As well as the music, there was food available and a raffle."

A support group for black and Asian people with mental health problems, is also to be launched in Ipswich on Thursday

The Black and Asian Mental Health Support Service aims to provide a safe place where people can discuss issues to do with race, ethnicity, and mental health.

There will be an opportunity to meet others with similar experiences, participate in workshops and enjoy food and social events.

The group will meet fortnightly on Thursdays, from 1pm to 4pm, at 32 Foundation Street, Ipswich. For more details, call 01473 408056.