Time to Talk Day takes place today on Thursday 4 February.
We know that small conversations about mental health have the power to make a big difference – since its launch in 2014, Time to Talk Day has sparked millions of conversations in schools, homes, workplaces, in the media and online.
1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, with many of us being too afraid to talk about it.
Starting a conversation about mental health might seem daunting but simply sending a text, calling a friend, or sharing something on social media can break the ice.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health, wellbeing and housing said: “Mental health is a topic that we should all feel able to talk about, especially now when more people are struggling with their mental health due to the coronavirus pandemic. Having those all important conversations can make a big difference to many people as a first step to improved mental wellness.”
“We encourage anyone who is struggling to speak openly with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member or your GP. There are also many local and national services and charities that help people who are struggling that you can access using our Happy Ok Sad website.”
Jo Loughran, Director of Time to Change, said:“Mental health problems are common and can affect any one of us, yet too often people are afraid to talk openly about mental health for fear of being judged. A small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference. The more we talk about it, the better life is for all of us and Time to Talk Day is a chance for everyone to open up, to talk to listen and to change lives.”
Information about mental health support for people in Warrington, can be found on www.happyoksad.org.uk.
For information about Time to Talk Day and how you can get involved, please visit: time-to-change.org.uk/timetotalkday
Notes to editors:
Time to Talk Day is part of the Time to Change campaign – a growing movement of people changing how we all think and act about mental health problems. Time ti Change is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund using National Lottery funding. The campaign is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and thousands more organisations have joined us to make change happen. For more information go to time-to-change.org.uk
