On Thursday 7 October there will be a variety of sessions at the Tank Museum in Bovington, which will also be live-streamed so servicemen and woman around the world can tune in.

At the museum, the day-time events in Bovington are focused on military personnel and emergency services employees, and the evening events are focused on the general public – but everything is open to all.

This will be the second On Track event – the first was held before the Covid pandemic and there has been much demand to hold another.

Rosanna Dean, events manager at the multi award-winning museum, said: “We will have a number of exhibitors and expert speakers leading sessions. We are holding it to mark World Mental Health Day which is on the 10th.

“The objective is to help reduce stigma about mental health issues among the military and emergency services, provide a safe space for people to speak in and offer help and advice.

“We will be hearing from individuals who have stories to tell that might help and inspire others. We will also be exploring the benefits of nutrition, mindfulness and physical fitness for good mental health.

“Following our first On Track event in 2019 we had a lot of positive feedback, but we couldn’t hold one last year because of the pandemic.

“All sessions will be live-streamed on YouTube and information about the event will be on the museum’s website.

“We are being supported by a number of partners who have come together because of the importance of the subject.”

Partners of On Track include Dorset’s Police Crime Commissioner, local brewers Hall & Woodhouse, Dorset Mental Health Forum, Bournemouth University and Dorset Armed Forces Covenant.

Some are helping subsidise On Track and others are supporting it by offering advice and services during the event.

Project manager from the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant, Kev Moore, said: “On Track is hugely important to Dorset’s armed forces community; it is one of our main events and is attracting interest from around the south-west region.

“It plays an import role in recognising the unique sacrifices made by our armed forces, and ensures they can access the support they need.”

Lucinda Gray, company relationship manager at Hall and Woodhouse, said: “I am delighted to confirm the Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest has chosen to support the On Track event.

“Wellbeing and metal health is more important than ever right now and by Hall & Woodhouse subsidising the event specifically curated for the armed forces and emergency services communities it will hopefully mean more people can benefit from attending.”

Police and crime commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, said “I am delighted that my office has been able to fund the On Track event this year through the OPCC Community Grant Scheme.

“This event demonstrates a commitment to support all the emergency services who have been at the vanguard of combatting the pandemic and I hope there will be a wealth of mental health and wellbeing support to officers and staff through the talks and workshops that are on offer.”

Layne Hamerston, community partnerships manager at Bournemouth University, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting On Track to show our support for the emergency and military services and the work they do.

“Two BU experts will be on hand to share their knowledge on issues of mental health, and we’re grateful to the Tank Museum for hosting this important event.”