NEXT Thursday, February 4, marks national “Time to Talk” day which aims to break the silence around mental health.
The aim of the day is to encourage people to talk about the facts and myths around mental health – and local residents and businesses are being urged to join in the conversation.
Council and health officers will be at Warrington Market from 10am-4pm. They’ll be joined by volunteers from partner organisations including Warrington Head2Toe group, Mood Swings, Network Warrington, Creative Remedies and Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Mental health problems affect one in four people every year, and nine out of 10 of those who experience them say they have faced negative treatment from others as a result.
Volunteers will be encouraging people of all ages to have a conversation about mental health, challenging the stigma that can sometimes prevent people asking for help when they need it and offering advice on how individuals can improve their mental health.
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for adult social care, said: “Time to Talk Day is a positive way to challenge stigma and discrimination. Together we can raise the profile of this initiative and have a beneficial impact on public attitudes and behaviour.”
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health and wellbeing, added: “Mental health problems are often viewed with prejudice, ignorance and fear, and these attitudes can make it harder for people who experience them to work, make friends and live a normal life.
“We really need to take this opportunity to talk openly about mental health, break down barriers and understand it better. That’s why the council will be supporting this national campaign and encouraging people across Warrington to have conversations about mental health in their work place, school, college, or among family and friends.”
Stall holders in Warrington Market are also supporting the event and will each display a card to promote it.A marquee nearby will provide an informal space where people can talk in confidence about their own mental health, or that of a loved one, and get information on a wide variety of local support services.
Throughout the day people can log their Time to Talk activities online at time-to-change.org.uk/timetotalkday and keep track of how many mental health conversations are taking place in Warrington and across the country. Free information and resource packs are available to individuals, schools, workplaces and community groups from the same site.
For information about mental health and support services available in Warrington, visitwww.happyoksad.org.uk
