It’s Time to Talk day and we’re choosing to talk about mental health.

Too often, mental health problems are treated as a taboo subject – something not to be talked about, especially at work. However, mental health affects us all and we should feel able to talk about it.

The more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down – helping to end the isolation, shame, and worthlessness that too many of us feel when experiencing a mental health problem.

In 2019 we signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge, a commitment to you all to change how we think and act about mental health at every level of this organisation. From this pledge the Wellbeing Champions were created. The Wellbeing Champions meet regularly to discuss wellbeing in the organisation, host events such as the woodland wellbeing sessions and can sign post you to further support.

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem and 9 in 10 say they have faced negative treatment from others as a result. By choosing to be open about mental health, we are all part of a movement that’s changing the conversation around mental health and ensuring that no one is made to feel isolated or alone for having a mental health problem. As part of our ongoing commitment to this, we are supporting Time to Talk Day.

This is a day when everyone is encouraged to have a conversation about mental health. This Time to Talk day we are hosting a wide range of activities around the organisation including a virtual yoga session, a walk over the knap and free access to Barry leisure if you missed our email last week showcasing these activities click here to find out more.  

We want everyone who works here to feel they can be open about their mental health and ask for support if they need it. Did you know that we have an employee assistance program? Care First is an external organisation that offers 24/7 counselling, Support, and advice about a wide range of topics. It’s complete free and confidential – If you would like to find out more about this service click here. - Care First (valeofglamorgan.gov.uk)

Whatever you find yourself doing this Time to Talk day make time to talk about mental health. If you have any questions about anything in this email, need support or would like to find out more about the Wellbeing Champions send us an email by clicking here.