Time to Change: Let’s End Mental Health Discrimination

Posted on: June 11, 2020

Time to Change is a growing social movement changing how we all think and act about mental health.

“9 out 10 people have faced stigma in their lifetime due to mental illness”

Too many people are made to feel ashamed or isolated because they have a mental health problem and, for some people, the stigma and discrimination are said to be worse than the mental illness itself.

What Is Being Done?

Essex is home to two Time to Change Hubs – one in the East of the county, and one in the West. Collectively and independently, the Hubs initiate and run regular local activities to challenge mental health prejudice, coming together to maximise impact.

The Hubs also work with employers and schools to help end the negative attitudes and behaviours towards people experiencing mental health problems.

Where Do the Hubs Work?

The East Essex Hub covers all areas located in East Essex including Tendring, Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford, Maldon, Castle Point, Rochford, Brentwood, Southend and Basildon.

The West Essex Hub works across Epping Forest, Harlow, and Uttlesford.

Time to Change Champions

Time to Change Champions are at the heart of our campaign; our work is Champion led.

Champions use their own experience of mental health problems and talk about mental health whenever they can, including:

• Having conversations about mental health with family, friends, or even the postman – and talking about their own lived experiences
• Running a Time to Change activity within the community, such as in a café, train station or their workplace
• Telling their story online or in the media

Champions can dedicate as much or as little time as they want to the role, there is no time commitment. The Time to Change Hub Co-ordinator is there to help and support Champions with their anti-stigma campaigning.

Full training is provided, and Champions learn skills on how to reduce the stigma around mental health.

Champions can also apply to the Time to Change Champions Fund for a grant of up to £500 to run an anti-stigma event.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Time to Change Champion, please contact your local Time to Change Hub.

Time to Change Hub Contact Details

Time to Change East Essex

• WEBSITE: www.mnessexmind.org/time-to-change-east-essex
• EMAIL: TTC@mnessexmind.org

Time to Change West Essex

• WEBSITE: www.mindinwestessex.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-change
• EMAIL: timetochange@mindinwestessex.org.uk

Author: Steering Member
Posted: 11/06/2020
Categories: News