Swindon residents are being encouraged to join the mental health conversation for Time to Talk Day, and the importance of reaching out to others about how we are feeling.
Charities from across Swindon are coming together on Thursday 2nd February to hold Swindon’s Biggest Conversation as part of the national day of action.
One in four people experience a mental health problem in any given year and research shows that people are often afraid to talk about their mental health experiences because they fear the response and stigma they may receive.
Events across Swindon will be held on Time to Talk Day to encourage as many people as possible having a direct and honest conversation to help break down barriers, helping to end the isolation, shame and worthlessness that too many people feel when experiencing a mental health problem.
“We want to encourage everyone one to get involved and get talking”, says Jol Rose from Voluntary Action Swindon, one of the campaign organisers.
“We all have mental health so it’s something for everyone.”
The day is being coordinated by Swindon Wellbeing, a network of local organisations focussed on helping people with their mental health and wellbeing.
Yazmin Taylor, Service Lead at Swindon & Gloucester Mind, said: “Mental health problems are common and can affect any of us, yet too often people are afraid to talk openly about mental health for fear of being judged.”
“It’s easy to think there’s no right place to talk about mental health. But the more we talk about it, the better life is for all of us. Time to Talk Day is a chance for everyone to open up – to talk, to listen, to change lives,” she said.
Swindon & Gloucester Mind is running events throughout the day at Swindon Hub, the community space on The Parade in Swindon’s town centre. Other organisations have events running at places including Pinetrees Community Centre, Olive Tree Café and the Nythe Centre.
People can struggle to find the right time or place to talk about mental health so Time to Change is asking people to have a conversation wherever they are – at home, at school, or even at the top of a mountain.
“We want to encourage everyone one to get involved and get talking”, says Jol Rose from Voluntary Action Swindon, one of the campaign organisers. “We all have mental health so it’s something for everyone.”
Swindon Wellbeing can be contacted via their website www.swindon-wellbeing.org or Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
More information and resources for Time to Talk Day are at https://timetotalkday.co.uk
