SWINDON charities are working together to encourage people to talk about their mental health.

Today, February 2, marks Time to Talk Day, with events held by Swindon & Gloucester Mind at Swindon Hub on The Parade and other organisations running sessions at Pinetrees Community Centre, Olive Tree Café and the Nythe Centre.

The day is being coordinated by Swindon Wellbeing, a network of local organisations focussed on helping people with their mental health.

Yazmin Taylor, service lead at Swindon & Gloucester Mind, said: “Mental health problems are common and can affect any of us, yet too often people are afraid to talk openly about mental health for fear of being judged.

“It’s easy to think there’s no right place to talk about mental health. But the more we talk about it, the better life is for all of us. Time to Talk Day is a chance for everyone to open up – to talk, to listen, to change lives."

One in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Sending a text, checking in on a friend or sharing something on social media can start a conversation.

Visit www.swindon-wellbeing.org or https://timetotalkday.co.uk