CHARITY Mind opened up its premises in Honiton as part of a nationwide initiative to combat the stigma of mental illness.

CHARITY Mind opened up its premises in Honiton as part of a nationwide initiative to combat the stigma of mental illness.

Dozens of people visited The Haven, in High Street, to find out what the charity is doing to promote emotional well-being among its clients.

The event, organised by Jan Ludlow, was held during National Mental Health Week.

The Haven boasts four massage therapists and taster sessions were available during the open day, held last Wednesday.

Visitors were able to find out about The Haven's Art and Mind Project, which encourages people to use art to express ideas and feelings.

How food can affect mood was the topic of a display. Nutritional advice was also available from the NHS.

A fabulous collection of pottery was exhibited. The pieces were made by The Haven's clients as part of their therapy.

Information on Human Givens was available, explaining that it is a form of therapy that empowers the individual to use their natural resources to achieve some movement in their lives.

Stephen Pierce, a Human Givens therapist, who supports the staff in their work at The Haven, explained: "It allows people to take an element of control and can help anything from a bad golf swing to post traumatic stress."

Mind supports a wide range of local projects that are really changing lives - from the Greenwood Project at Escot to groups for walkers and women.

It also promotes learning and developmental training and can help those wanting to improve their literacy and numeracy.

n Mind is a sponsor of the government's Time to Change anti-stigma campaign.