RAISING awareness of how mental health issues can affect people's lives was the aim of a special event yesterday organised by the district's largest social landlord, Incommunities.

The organisation teamed up with West Yorkshire Fire Service and Shipley-based mental health charity The Cellar Trust, as well as the Shipley Health Food Store.

Together they were supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 11 to 17.

Members of staff from Incommunities and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service shared the success of their partnership work which aims to help tenants who, for a variety of reasons - including mental health issues, might be vulnerable to fire risks.

In the last year the housing group has made 830 referrals to the fire service, who followed then completed individual assessments and offered a variety of preventative measures to reduce the risk of fire.

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More referral training for housing teams and repair staff is being planned to help prevent further vulnerable tenants being the victim of fire incidents.

The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2015, which is organised by the Mental Health Foundation, is mindfulness - using a combination of techniques to help people change the way they think, feel and act.

During the week, Incommunities staff are also being encouraged to understand more about this by trying activities such as yoga, aromatherapy or a well-being walk during their lunchtime.

Greg Robinson, Incommunities assistant chief executive for resources, said: “We are committed to raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues which have the potential to have such a devastating effect on people’s lives.

“This week, in support of Mental Health Awareness Week, we will be able to increase our awareness of the causes and potential treatment for mental health issues. We will also learn more about the work of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and local partners involved in supporting some of our vulnerable customers and gather a better understanding of mental health issues.”

Ian Bitcon, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's area manager for fire safety, said: “We know that mental health is one of the key issues in relation to fire deaths. An integral part of our prevention policy is working more closely with partner agencies, such as Incommunities, to identify high risk individuals and provide early intervention.

“This initiative will support us in achieving this.”

The event, held at The Quays in Shipley, included stalls, information packs and giveaways including healthy snack packs and pedometers.