Time to Talk Day is 1 February

This fabulous initiative is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness supported by the Co-op. Mental health activist and Park Lane Stables regular Naomi Ghafoor explains:

Time to Talk Day aims to create supportive communities by having conversations about our mental health with those around us. A staggering one in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and the cost of living crisis is making it even harder. By encouraging open conversations we reduce stigma, and help everyone to feel empowered to seek help when they need it.

Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation around mental health

Since launching in 2014, millions of conversations have been sparked by Time to Talk Day. It gives people the chance to talk about their experiences without shame or judgement as well as the space to listen and give back to others. By just starting that conversation, people feel more confident talking about their difficulties and more able to ask for support when they need it. The impact of just one chat can be huge, we just need to give people the space to have it.

One conversation can be life changing

I know from personal experience that Park Lane Stables is always a safe space where people can come together and be truly themselves, and spend time with our wonderful four-legged friends as well as meeting new people with a shared interest. Time to Talk Day recognises the importance of community hubs – like Park Lane Stables – and celebrates the benefits they can have on people’s wellbeing, building social resilience and providing a sense of togetherness. We give you the space to have meaningful, emotional conversations. We’ll listen and never judge.

Join us on Thursday 1st February anytime from 10am-3pm. It’ll be a day of fun activities including pony cuddles, tea and cake and a walk and talk with a pony. Everyone is invited, no booking required. Come along to experience the magic that goes on here, connect with others and do something good for your mental health.

Naomi Ghafoor is a mental health activist as a result of her own journey with mental health challenges. Read her blog post A very personal story of how horses have helped my struggles with mental health

Find out more about Mind and Time to Talk Day on their website.

And we love Mind’s article Together through Tough Times with examples of how community initiatives can have a big impact.