On Thursday 2nd February, Chris Evans MP is encouraging everyone to take part in Time to Talk Day 2023.
Time to Talk Day was launched in 2014 and takes place every February. This year, Mr Evans is encouraging everyone across Islwyn to talk about mental health.
Across Wales, 1 in 4 people will experience mental health problems, and more than half of adults in Wales have said their mental health was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Time to Talk Day is a chance for people to be more open about mental health — to talk, to listen, to change lives. Each conversation contributes to reducing mental health stigma, helping to create supportive communities where people can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when they need it.
In Wales, Time to Talk Day 2023 is run by Time to Change Wales, Adferiad Recovery, Mind Cymru and in partnership with the Co-op.
The Time to Change Wales campaign, works to end the stigma surrounding mental health and is funded by the Welsh Government.
Chris Evans MP has shared five key points to get people talking about mental health:
- Tell someone you appreciate what they have done for you
- Talk about how money worries can impact mental health
- Sometimes writing is easier, check-in with a friend over text
- Talking side by side can be easier, try talking while walking or cooking
- Talk to a friend about a celebrity who has spoken openly about a mental health issue
Chris Evans MP said:
‘Talking about mental health is crucial. People should not suffer alone.
This Time to Talk day I encourage everyone to start a conversation with a friend, family member or colleague about mental health. Even the smallest of conversations can help you feel less alone.’
You can find out more information about Time to Talk Day in Wales here: https://www.timetochangewales.org.uk/en/campaigns/timetotalkday
If you feel you need to speak to someone about mental health today, support can be found on the Mind website here: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/
