Care Trust gets people talking on Time to Talk Day at Bradford City Library

Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, part of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, is supporting this year’s Time to Talk Day, by encouraging people to start conversations about mental health at an awareness event held at Bradford City Library.

Most people experience low mood, anxiety or stress at some point in their lives and each year one in four of us will experience a mental health challenge. Talking about how we feel can make a real difference. Time to Talk Day, led nationally by the Time to Change campaign, aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by encouraging open, honest conversations about mental health — issues that can affect us all. Talking and listening can change lives – simple conversations can help break down barriers, challenge stigma and support better mental wellbeing.

On the day, Emily Bridges, a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, will be at Bradford City Library to chat with members of the public about the transformative and positive impact that listening and talking can have on people’s lives. Emily will encourage individuals to reach out for support and will outline the wide range of help available through the Talking Therapies service.

The event aims to spark conversations and help people feel more confident about opening up about their own mental health challenges, as well as finding out where to get support if they need it.

Emily said: “Talking openly about how we’re feeling can be incredibly powerful. Simply being listened to can help people feel less alone and more understood. On Time to Talk Day, we want to encourage everyone to start a conversation — whether that’s with a friend, a family member, or a professional — because talking and listening really can change lives. We’re also keen to make sure people know that support is available and that help is only a conversation away.”

Starting a conversation doesn’t have to be difficult. It could be chatting with friends while playing in the park and sharing what’s been worrying you, having a relaxed conversation with a neighbour over a coffee, or asking a colleague to step away from their desk for a walk and a talk. These small moments of connection can have a big impact.

Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies provides free, confidential support for people experiencing common mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. The service is committed to helping people take positive steps towards recovery. It offers help for people experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress, sleep problems and more. Support includes online courses, guided self-help, group sessions and one-to-one therapy.

Members of the public are invited to visit City Library, Centenary Square, Bradford BD1 1SD on Time to Talk Day, Thursday 5 February, 12:30pm – 2:30pm, to find out more, ask questions and learn about the support available.

For practical tips and advice you can use straight away, visit the Knowledge Bank section on the Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies website.

The service is open to anyone aged 16 and over who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven. People can self-refer directly online at: www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk  without going through their GP.

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.