Relax and smell the roses, hear the music, pet a pooch, eat for free and more

The Prince William County Community Services department is inviting people to “Relax and Recharge” at its 11th Annual Mental Health Awareness Event on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 3-7:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building, located at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge. The formal program will begin at 5 p.m.

The aim of the event is to “educate, inspire and dispel myths about mental illness,” said Andrea Richardson, a Prince William County Community Services therapist. “The purpose of the event is to bring together the mental health community along with the community at-large to discuss information about mental illness, which can often come with the stigmas of embarrassment and shame.”

The event will also provide attendees with relaxation techniques. People will have the opportunity to learn about aroma, music and pet therapy, see and shop for arts and crafts created by people who are part of the mental health community, get professional massages, learn a bit of chair yoga and see live food demonstrations. “A lot of community partners will be there to do these demonstrations and to provide information,” Richardson said.

The event, which includes a barbecue dinner, is free and open to the public and no reservations are required, said Richardson. “We’re just really encouraging people to come and share in this opportunity to learn how to take care of themselves.”

For more information about the Mental Health Awareness Event or Community Services programs, visit http://www.pwcgov.org/cs.