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Launched in 2018 by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust the Now We're Talking campaign set out to reduce stigma and encourage more local people to access the Healthy Minds Service to get the support if and when they need it!

Having conversations about mental health helps break down stereotypes, improves relationships, aids recovery and take the sigma out of something that affects us all.

There are lots of different ways to have the conversation about mental health and you don't have to be an expert to talk. There plenty of ways in which you can get involved in the Now We're Talking campaign, from a trip to the rugby, talks and presentations at your place of work, stands at your local library, a day at the races, you can even run a half marathon with us! If you really want too! 

Our promtion of mental health awareness has many forms, and we are all about thinking outside the box! Mental Health problems affect one in four of us, yet people are still afraid to talk about it. Having conversations about mental health helps break down stereotypes, improves relationships, aid recovery and take the sigma out of something that affects us all.

There are lots of different ways to have the conversation about mental health and you don't have to be an expert to talk.

If you would like further information about the Now We’re Talking campaign and how you could get involved please contact alice.linley@nhs.net

Talk

Someone you know will have a mental health problem right now – a family member, your friend, your workmate. He or she just might not know how to tell you. 

Being open to mental health can break down any stigma surrounding it. You don’t have to be an expert to talk and to listen, and often it’s the little things that make a big difference.

A car enthusiast who has experienced depression has set up a support network for like-minded people. Dan Pendry-Moore, from Bromsgrove, hopes Sad Boi Race Club will help fight a mental health stigma among men. The 32-year-old said his story was "very typical of most men" who "bottle up" feelings.

Listen

Podcasts can be a really good way of relaxing the mind, listen to features, interviews and a number of people involved in mental health, including people have experience mental health difficulties, campaigners and mental health experts.

Sons of Anxiety is a new podcast brought to you by Stew Kingscott and Justyn Surrall who open up about their own battles with stress, depression and anxiety. They have teamed up with our very own Psychologist Dr Ben Rogers to investigate why men struggle to talk to each other about their mental health…and what happens when they do

Support

Over the last two years the Now We’re Talking campaign has received a fantastic about support from a number of organisations and individuals.

We have been encouraging organisations and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to spread the message to their staff and customers. Between us we can help to address the stigma wrongly attached to mental health, and to keep more people feeling well, healthy and positive.

Here are just a few of our supporters!

Joe Batley - Worcester Warriors

Joe Batley

I am pleased to be supporting the Now We’re Talking campaign. We are in really strange times at the moment, and I would urge anyone struggling to get support. It’s really important to reach out and ask for help

Paul Cheshire, West Mercia Police

Paul Cheshire

Mental health is a hidden illness, and will remain so unless we are willing to talk about it

Jon Laight, H & W Fire & Rescue service

Jon Laight

Good mental health and well-being is just as important as eating well and keeping fit.  When I recognise my stress levels are rising, I talk to friends, family and colleagues and use mindfulness to reset and refresh

Ed Chamberlin, ITV Presenter

Ed Chamberlin

I’m pleased to be supporting the Now We’re Talking Mental health campaign, everybody has mental health and we shouldn’t be ashamed of it, just having a conversation with a friend or family member can make such a difference, it’s ok not to be ok!

Rishi Persad, ITV Presenter

Image of Rishi Persad

As we all know this year has been incredibly challenging for everyone. I am certain that almost all of us have had moments of worry and concern, but it’s vital to know that you are not alone. No matter who you are or what you are dealing with, we all need someone to listen and to know that there is someone wanting to know how you feel and someone that cares. That’s why I am fully behind the Now We’re Talking campaign which encourages people to reach out to Healthy Minds where you can get the support you need to help with whatever you are dealing with

Steve Goode, Chairman Worcester City Football

Steve Goode

In the sporting community it is so important that athletes share problems not only with their physical health but also their mental health. As a community we not only support our local team but individuals who sometimes just need a shoulder to lean on. If you feel overwhelmed with emotion or have health issue that is bothering you, please talk to someone. I was always told, a problem shared is a problem halved.

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