Today is Time to Talk Day.
It’s about encouraging people to have conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health and by talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.
We’re supporting today’s campaign and it gives charities such as Launchpad, the opportunity to raise awareness of the work it does to support veterans by working with and supporting them on their mental health issues.
Many of the residents living at Launchpad’s Avondale House in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Speke House in Liverpool have mental health issues, ranging from anxiety to service and non-service-related PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Some need help with addictions to gambling, alcohol and drugs.
We have two full-time specialist case workers who work full time in each house to help residents with their mental health and provide one-to-one support.
We encourage residents to talk about problems they are experiencing, and to take part in activities that support their mental health and wellbeing.
Residents at both houses also participate in a programme of activities to improve their mental health and wellbeing such as mindfulness, arts projects, music lessons and outdoor sports.
Time to Talk Day was launched in 2014 by Time to Change, a campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination, which was run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
