It’s time to talk about mental health

Time to Talk Day on 31 July will offer residents the opportunity to speak about mental health issues and the effect they can have on themselves and those close to them.

The Time to Talk initiative aims to communicate that mental health problems are common and that you don’t need to be an expert to open a discussion on the subject.

Each year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem and the event on 31 July hopes to kick-start hundreds of conversations throughout the borough about the subject.

Councillor Cecile Biant, Portfolio Holder for Health, said: “It’s the little things that can make such a big difference when it comes to mental health, like being able to have a cup of tea and a chat. This is why events like Time to Talk Day are so important to health and wellbeing of residents.”

Event attendees will receive tips, tools, conversation starters - which include a Time to Talk tea bag to help encourage conversations - and other branded items.

A number of local mental health organisations will be present to provide information on where to get help and to offer support on the day.

The Time to Talk Day event will be held from 9.30am to 2.00pm at Number One Riverside and includes a seminar on emotional wellbeing.

The event will be followed by a programme events implemented by Rochdale Borough Council’s Media & Stigma Task Group, in partnership with Rochdale and District Mind.

Forthcoming Time to Talk events:

Friday, 8 August
Middleton Market
10.00am – 2.00pm

Wednesday, 10 September 
Phoenix Centre, Church Street, Heywood
10.00am – 2.00pm
(Seminar on emotional wellbeing)

Saturday, 11 October
The Butts, Rochdale
10.00am – 3.00pm 

These events are free. To book your place for the seminars on emotional wellbeing, email pennystrickett2@rochdalemind.org.uk. Booking is not required for the other events.