Poetry, music and therapy are among free events put on this month to mark World Mental Health Month.

South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) will be leading over 40 events throughout October, coinciding with World Mental Health Day on October 10.

Dignity is the theme of this month’s programme, which aims to challenge stigma and discrimination and raise awareness of mental health issues.

David Bradley, chief executive at SWLSTG said: "One in four of us will be affected by mental illness at some point in our life and nine out of ten people say that their problems are made worse by experiencing stigma and discrimination".

Here are some of the services and events to look out for:

• Celebrating Black History Month with poetry, music and storytelling at Springfield University Hospital and Tolworth Hospital canteens

• Balloon Release events at Springfield University Hospital, October 9

• Open days at Springfield University Hospital and Kingston All Saints Church, October 10

• Sutton Uplift Mental Health event at Sutton Asda, October 13

• Free staff welfare therapies and mindfulness drop in sessions

• Plant and cake sales

• Pop Up Libraries

• A photography competition has also been launched - #upliftingimage - where local primary schools, staff and members of the public can send in an image that makes them smile.

Closing date for entries is October 10.

For more information about events and the competition, visit the NHS trust website