It has almost been a year to the day since Worcestershire was revealed as a ‘Time to Change’ Hub to support the national social movement, ‘Time to Change’.

The Hubs were created to support communities, workplaces and schools to take action to end negative attitudes and behaviours towards people experiencing mental health problems.

Time to Change Worcestershire is made up of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire Health and Wellbeing Board, Worcestershire County Council, Community First, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, The University of Worcester, West Mercia Police, Redditch and Bromsgrove District Councils, Unison and local Champions.

Today (Thursday 7 February) is Time to Talk Day, and the Chamber’s Time to Change Champions are hosting an insightful session for our colleagues to raise awareness of mental health and how to have those all important conversations.

Two counties' biggest business exhibition

We are delighted to welcome Jon Downes, from Member Glassfull, to deliver a presentation on mental health and wellbeing, discussing the importance of raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding those experiencing mental health problems.

Jon embarked on a mission to visit seven organisations on the seventh to generate awareness of Time to Talk Day, and the Chamber would like to thank Jon for his commitment.

Colleagues also got together to take part in a “balloon popping” game to try and dispel the discomfort around having those all important difficult conversations, whilst tasting a variety of ‘mood boosting’ foods.

The Chamber is leading on the employer element of the campaign, and is interested in speaking to any business who would like to get involved in the initiative.

If you are interested in signing the pledge or finding out more about becoming a Time to Change Champion, please visit www.time-to-change.org.uk or contact Dawn Hardman, director of HR at the Chamber, on DawnH@hwchamber.co.uk.