Time to Talk about mental health

Tower Hamlets Council will be encouraging residents to make ‘Time to Talk’ on 6 February to get more people talking about mental health than ever before.
The campaign, led by national charity Time to Change, aims to show that “It’s the little things which make a big difference” and could be as simple as having a cup of tea and a chat with your friend, colleague or neighbour who needs some extra support.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said: “Tower Hamlets Council works with its partners to combat stigma and discrimination around mental health and signed a pledge last year on World Mental Health Day to show our commitment. We continue to support that pledge and encourage residents to start those conversations.”
Mental health problems are common as 1 in 4 people in the UK are affected. Time to Change is England’s biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination.
Cllr Abdul Asad, cabinet member of health and wellbeing said: “Mental health problems are more common that people may think. Taking the time out to listen or ask how someone they are can be a simple starting point.”
Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health Tower Hamlets said: “This day is another opportunity to highlight the importance of having open conversations about your health. There are also excellent services you can access locally for support and advice.”
Tower Hamlets Council, Mind in Tower Hamlets and Newham, and Tower Hamlets Homes are working in partnership to promote Time to Talk.
The following activities and events will be taking place on 6 February and are open to everyone:
Whitechapel Idea Store, 10am – 5pm
Mental Health Service users will be on site to speak to residents and share their stories. They will also be exhibiting their photographic work.
Bethnal Green One Stop Shop, 10am – 4pm
Mind employees, service users and volunteer will have informal chats
Bow Idea Store, 10am – 5pm
Local mental health charity Community Options will be running an interactive stall with quizzes, fun public engagement tools and a range of people engaging the public in conversations throughout the day. Mental health advisers will be on site to have informal chats and provide information on local support services.
For more information on local mental health charity Mind in Tower Hamlets and Newham visit: www.mithn.org.uk.
For tips on how to get the conversation started and to sign up to the Time to Change pledge visit: www.time-to-change.org.uk.