Time to Talk Day takes place on Thursday, 2nd February this year, and aims to encourage everyone to make space in their day for a conversation about mental health.
Run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in partnership with the Co-op, the day is about bringing people and communities together to talk about mental health.
Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem, with opening up the conversation about mental health enabling everyone to support both themselves and others.
Time to Talk Day coincides with our Team Talk project recently hosting their first Mental Health League in collaboration with Birmingham County FA, with over 40 players involved from across the county.
The newly set up league includes a variety of teams from the Midlands area, ranging from Aston Villa to Alvechurch and West Brom to Walsall.
Harley Hetherington, Adult Male and Disability Football Development Officer at Birmingham County FA, said: “We have eight teams involved in our Birmingham FA Mental Health League, with each team having a turn to host an event.
“We hope that this inclusive and positive environment promotes disability football and promotes positive mental health throughout the county of Birmingham.”
Team Talk consists of regular 5-a-side football tournaments alongside informal workshops and activities that share information on supporting mental health issues.
The programme is completely free of charge for all participants and aims to improve the health and wellbeing of men living in the Sandwell Borough.
“A lot of people keep things bottled up, but social events like Team Talk mean you’ve always got someone you can talk to, which a lot of men don’t do enough,” said Jordan, a regular Team Talk participant.
“I would recommend it to anyone if they are struggling. Just reach out, there is always someone there who can help you.”
Set up for males aged 18 or over, Team Talk is held at Portway Lifestyle Centre on a Monday evening (7:00pm - 9:00pm) and a Thursday morning (10:30am - 12:00pm)
A Wellbeing Café is also open during the Monday session, providing a safe space for participants to receive support from staff and socialise with others.
Adam, who attends Team Talk and also volunteers for our Albion Cares programme, said: “It’s a breath of fresh air being able to come out and play some football and also experiencing how other people deal with their mental health.
“It’s a big part of our society, and it shows how sport really impacts our lives.”
For more information on Time to Talk Day, click here.
For more information / to sign up for Team Talk sessions, click here.