GROUPS and organisations are invited to exhibit at a mental health myth-busting event in Redditch.
Time to Talk 2018 will feature key services like Age UK, Alzheimer’s Org and Healthy Minds, Worcester as well as the blue light services.
A nationwide campaign, it’s part of the Time to Change social movement run by the charities MIND and Rethink Mental Illness.
The event in Redditch will coincide with others taking place across the country on February 1, which is Time To Talk Day 2018.
“Unfortunately there is still a stigma around mental health so people don’t want to talk about it. But, as with everything, the more we talk about it, the easier life becomes,” said Laney Walsh, who, as Unison branch secretary at the Borough Council, has run the event at the Town Hall for staff for the last five years.
She is now opening up the day to everyone.
“The event is not a crisis drop-in centre, it is a safe space where people can find out what available support there is and to hear from the experts how a few changes in their life can make a big difference.
“We have 15 agencies already signed up to take part – but we have room for more!”
Over the past five years the Town Hall event has won support from local businesses, charities and organisations, and has proved such a success that last year Unison sent a camera crew down to capture it.
Executive member for Community Safety, Councillor Joe Baker, said: “I have had the pleasure of attending these events in the past and I am always amazed at the amount of support which is out there for people who have mental health issues and their friends and family.
“We don’t talk enough about mental health and this is a great opportunity to do so and for local groups and organisation to share, for the first time, with residents, how they can help.”
The event will run from 10am until 2pm at the Town Hall. Any group interested in having a stand should contact Laney Walsh on 01527 534125 or email [email protected].
