Shoppers were treated to free hugs in Epsom town centre as a week of events designed to break down mental health stigma came to an end on Saturday.

Surrey Comet:

Paul Tame of the Leatherhead Samaritans with Love Me Love My Mind's Sue Bull, Allen Price and Anne Day

Epsom Mental Health Week, hosted by local charity Love Me Love My Mind, saw guest talks, workshops, a play and film screenings throughout the week.

Surrey Comet:

Love Me Love My Mind trustee Allen Price giving out one of 200 free hugs on Saturday

And to coincide with World Mental Health Day six volunteers - clad in green ‘Free Hug’ t-shirts - camped out in the town centre to offer support to those with mental illness.

Surrey Comet:

Four-year-old Sienna Watkinson taking advantage of face-painting on Saturday

Love Me Love My Mind trustee Allen Price said: "The week was a real success. Doing things like this is really important in breaking down stigma surrounding mental illness.

"In a weird way, hugging strangers in the town centre really helped people open up to us about their own experiences of mental health.

"It was one of our biggest weeks ever and we reached a lot of people."

Guest speakers at St Barnabas Church included MP Chris Grayling - who discussed mental health in politics - and Surrey Police superintendent Matt Twist.

Surrey Comet:

MP Chris Grayling speaking at his event, 'The Art of Politics'

Earlier in the week there were also workshops dealing with issues ranging from sexual abuse to schizophrenia, as well as classes in pilates and mindfulness.

Did you go to a Mental Health Week event? Comment below or get in touch at ben.weich@london.newsquest.co.uk