AN EVENT aiming to break the silence on mental health is opening its doors to the people of Redditch for the first time next month as part of the national Time to Change campaign.
Redditch Borough Council’s Time to Talk Day has for the last five years been held at the Town Hall for council staff.
However, Redditch Borough Council’s Unison branch secretary Laney Walsh is now opening it up to the public.
Laney, who runs the event, said: “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.
“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.”
This year’s myth-busting event on February 1 will run from 10am until 2pm and is part of a social movement run by charities MIND and Rethink Mental Illness.
As well as members of Redditch’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams, organisations such as West Midlands Ambulance, Fire, Age UK, Alzheimer’s and Healthy Minds will be on hand to support the event.
Any groups interested in having a stand can call 01527 534125 or email [email protected]
