Tower Hamlets Council will be encouraging residents to make \u2018Time to Talk\u2019 on 6 February to get more people talking about mental health than ever before.
\nThe campaign, led by national charity Time to Change, aims to show that \u201cIt\u2019s the little things which make a big difference\u201d 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.
\nMayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said: \u201cTower 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.\u201d
\nMental 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.
\nCllr Abdul Asad, cabinet member of health and wellbeing said: \u201cMental 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.\u201d
\nSomen Banerjee, Director of Public Health Tower Hamlets said: \u201cThis 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.\u201d
\nTower Hamlets Council, Mind in Tower Hamlets and Newham, and Tower Hamlets Homes are working in partnership to promote Time to Talk.
\nThe following activities and events will be taking place on 6 February and are open to everyone:
\nWhitechapel Idea Store, 10am \u2013 5pm
\nMental Health Service users will be on site to speak to residents and share their stories. They will also be exhibiting their photographic work.
\nBethnal Green One Stop Shop, 10am \u2013 4pm
\nMind employees, service users and volunteer will have informal chats
\nBow Idea Store, 10am \u2013 5pm
\nLocal 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.
\nFor more information on local mental health charity Mind in Tower Hamlets and Newham visit: www.mithn.org.uk.
\nFor 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.<\/p>\n