Rovers goalkeepers Jayson Leutwiler and Christian Walton are backing the local Time to Talk Day activity
Published Monday 3 February 2020 at 11:00
Thursday, February 6 is Time to Talk Day – a day when everyone is encouraged to have a conversation about mental health.
Too many people with mental health problems feel isolated, worthless and ashamed but having conversations about mental health can break down barriers, improve relationships, aid recovery and take the stigma out of something that affects us all.
Time to Change Blackburn with Darwen is a partnership of local organisations, including Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire Mind, who are committed to changing local attitudes towards mental health.
It is part of a network of hubs across England supported by the learning and resources of Time to Change to deliver mental health anti-stigma campaigns in our community.
A range of activities are planned locally in support of Time to Talk Day:
3rd Feb, 10am-12pm (Darwen Library, Knott St, Darwen BB3 3BU): Darwen Library Craft Group are hosting an open craft morning and encouraging all abilities to come and have some creative conversations.
3rd Feb, 1pm-3pm (Care Network Hub, Town Hall Street, Blackburn, BB2 1AG): With Pain We Live are a local community group who provide peer support to those with chronic pain. For Time to Talk Day they’re opening their doors and asking people to come along to drink tea and talk!
4th Feb, 10.30am-12.30pm (Coffee Exchange, 13-15 Fleming Square, Blackburn BB2 2DG): Thoughts and Notes community group will be tackling mental health stigma and discrimination at their weekly meeting.
6th Feb, 10am-2pm (The Mall, Victoria Court, 25 Church St, Blackburn BB1 5AF): Step into our Time to Change Cinema and hear real stories from our wonderful Time to Change Champions.
Blackburn Rovers have also done their bit to promote the local Time to Change hub, wearing shirts before their recent home game with QPR.
Since its launch in 2014, Time to Talk Day has sparked millions of conversations in schools, homes, workplaces, in the media and online.
Mental health and suicide prevention are key priorities for Blackburn with Darwen Council.
The local authority has also joined forces with the Zero Suicide Alliance – a national collective of organisations aiming to eradicate suicide in the UK by initially raising awareness of a free online suicide prevention training programme.
Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
So many people’s lives are affected by mental health issues. Talking openly about the problems people face can make a big difference. Improving mental health is a key priority for the Council and I hope as many people as possible will take part in the activities planned around Time to Talk Day.
Find out more about Time to Talk Day.
Learn more about the Zero Suicide Alliance.