Make Time to Talk about good mental health

People are being encouraged to start conversations about, and end the stigma of, mental health on Time to Talk Day this Thursday (4 February, 2021).

The national campaign, organised by Time to Change, focuses on 'The Power of Small – saying that a small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We know that the more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down, helping to end the isolation, shame and day to day challenges that too many people with mental health problems can experience.

"Time to Talk Day is an ideal opportunity to discuss issues around mental health, and to find out about the help and support which is available.

"And of course, in the middle of a global pandemic such as the one we are all living through, open conversations about mental health are more important than ever."

As part of Time to Talk Day, the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a free webinar at which people will be able to connect with others, think about their own mental health, share wellbeing tips and take time out in a short mindfulness session. It will be held via Zoom on Thursday from 2.30-4pm; to register for a free place, please visit https://time-to-talk-mental-health.eventbrite.co.uk.

The Trust also operates a mental health helpline providing advice, support and signposting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people of all ages. Call 0800 008 6516.

The Every Mind Matters campaign, www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters, provides simple tips and advice to start taking better care of your mental health. The Mental Health Foundation has a wide range of resources available at www.mentalhealth.org.uk.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's #StaySafeBeKind campaign includes a range of health and wellbeing resources, including details of organisations which can support people struggling with issues including debt, isolation and domestic violence. Find out more at

www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/staysafebekind.

If you are having a difficult time or if you are worried about someone else, The Samaritans are there to listen. Visit www.samaritans.org, call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for support.

Rethink runs a freephone service for those in need of support, reassurance and understanding – call 0808 802 2208 (Monday to Friday, 6pm-3am, Saturday and Sunday 2pm-3am). For more information, please visit www.rethink.org.

If you are experiencing stress, feelings of anxiety or low mood, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression for self-assessment, audio guides and other practical tools.

You can self-refer to Wolverhampton Healthy Minds via www.wolverhamptonhealthyminds.nhs.uk or by calling 0800 923 0222 or 01902 441856, or alternatively speak to your GP.

For more information about Time to Talk Day, please visit www.time-to-change.org.uk.