Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Community Health are working with partners to launch ‘Time to Talk Liverpool’, a new city-wide mental health campaign which aims to create greater awareness of mental health issues and improve people’s wellbeing.
The campaign will launch on Thursday 6 February, as part of Time to Talk Day, a national day of action organised by UK mental health charities Time to Change, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
Cllr Roz Gladden, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said,
“Time to Talk” is all about enabling people to feel more comfortable to talk about the subject of mental health and is aiming to inspire a million conversations about mental health. We want everyone in Liverpool to take part by having a conversation with a friend, family member or work colleague, and to join us in being part of this bigger conversation.”
Throughout the day, Liverpool’s Time to Change Network which comprises of key partners from across the city, including Merseyside Mental Health Consortium, Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, Imagine Independence, CHATS, Beacon Counselling Service and a range of community volunteers, will be hosting a range of mental health awareness events across the city.
Information stands, live performances and readings will be taking place at each of the following locations on 6 February, including:
– The Bluecoat, School Lane – between 12 – 4pm (including performances at 12.00, 1.00, 2.00 and 3.00pm)
– Paradise Street & Church Street – between 11 – 4pm (including performance at 12.30 & 1.30pm)
– Liverpool Central Library – between 11 – 4pm (including performance at 3.30pm)
In addition, CHATS will also be hosting a Mental Health & Wellbeing Event at Frontline Church, Lawrence Rd, Wavertree, L15 0HY. This free event will take place between 10am – 3pm, offering holistic therapies, de- stress tips, book readings, refreshments and health and wellbeing stalls.
Throughout Time to Talk Day, a friendly team of trained health promotion staff will be on hand to chat, answer people’s questions about mental health, and help signpost people to further support.
Charlotte Davies from Imagine Independence, Mental Health Charity said,
“We really want to encourage people to feel confident to talk about how they are feeling, because it’s not good to just bottle things up – so come and join us in being part of the conversation.”
“We also want people to feel confident in knowing how they can support friends or family members who may be experiencing a mental health problem. Many people tell us that when they’re experiencing a mental health problem, their friends or family members feel uncomfortable and unsure what to say or do to help.
“The truth is that it’s often those little gestures such as sending a text, chatting over a cuppa, taking the time to ask how someone is, or inviting someone out, that really show you’re there for someone and can really make a big difference.”
Statistics show that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. What’s more, 1 in 10 young people will experience some form of mental health disorder by the time they are 15 years of age.
Some of the most commonly experienced mental health problems in the UK include conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress and phobias. The good news is that with support from local mental health services, about half of those diagnosed with a mental health condition, will have made a full recovery within 18 months.
Bernie Cuthel, Chief Executive of Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust added,
“This new campaign is all about helping people to understand mental health better. We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health – and both of these can change throughout our lives.
“We really want to remind everyone that looking after the health of your mind, is just as important as looking after the health of your body, and we want to equip people with the knowledge and skills to do exactly that.”
For more information on local services, activities and tips to support your mental health and wellbeing, please contact: www.wellbeingliverpool.co.uk or call the Healthwatch Information Team on: 0300 777 7007
You can also join the conversation on 6 February on twitter using the hashtag: #timetotalk
