IN PICTURES: Peterborough holds city centre event to mark World Mental Health Day

Peterborough came together at the weekend to mark World Mental Health Day – and help scores of people in the city.

The event was held in Cathedral Square, with a range of activities on offer in a bid to unite the community in raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting mental well-being across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.

There were also a range of health and wellbeing charity stalls, offering resources and support, and performances from local acts.

It was the first time such an event had been held in the city.

The day began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officiated by the Mayor of Peterborough, Marco Cereste, cllr Shabina Qayyum, cabinet member for public health in Peterborough and the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson.

Speaking before the event, Chief Executive of Peterborough Prime, Nabil Ilahi said: “Our goal is to foster a culture of openness, where individuals feel safe to seek help and speak freely about their mental health struggles. By bringing together local leaders, professionals, and residents, we hope to lay the groundwork for a healthier, more compassionate community.

“This is not just a one-day event, but the start of a movement in Peterborough, contributing to a broader vision of breaking the stigma around suffering in silence. We want to inspire change in how mental health is addressed in schools, workplaces, and homes.”