Thursday 6th February 2020 is Time to Talk Day – a day to get the nation talking about mental health.
The national day will encourage people to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives. The more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down – helping to end the isolation, shame and worthlessness that too many people with mental health problems feel.
With 1 in 4 of us experiencing a mental health problem in any given year, there has never been a better time to get involved in Time to Talk Day.
Blackburn BID members and the wider community are being urged to get involved in the wider conversation that will be occurring on social media, television and elsewhere.
In Blackburn activities are being led and supported by the Blackburn with Darwen Time to Change Hub, and will include a ‘Time to Talk’ Cinema in a unit in The Mall Blackburn, with films about mental health, and inspirational talks from people with lived experience.
On 3 February, ‘We Pain We Live’ community group presents tea, toast and talk at Care Network Hub on Town Hall Street between 1-3pm. They will be providing peer support to those with chronic pain, encouraging people to come along and talk.
‘Thoughts and Notes’ community group presents coffee, toast and talk on 4 February between 10.30-12.30pm at The Coffee Exchange in Fleming Square. They will be tackling mental health stigma and discrimination.
On 6 February The Mall will host a Time To Change cinema, with stories from real Time To Change Champions. Come along to Victoria Court between 10am and 2pm.
You can get involved in supporting Time to Talk day with your customers and/or staff. This might include having copies of the Time to Talk ‘Would You Rather’ question cards on tables, at checkouts, in staff rest areas, having Time Talk to Talkactivities available to staff and customers during the day, or encouraging staff to take part in the Time to Talk games at break time.
There’s loads of resources available online to help you get involved in however big or small a way you are able to.
Or you can order your free Chatterbox pack, with resources like posters, postcards and conversation starters, and tips on running a Time to Talk Day activity in your organisation:
If you’ve any queries about the event and how you could get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact me
