SECE Mind and ATF encourage families to keep talking about mental health
This month, as part of our continued ‘There’s Always Time To Talk’ campaign, we have partnered with local charity Achieve Thrive and Flourish.
ATF works with communities at risk of exclusion across South Essex to develop safe environments that increase opportunity, aspiration and enhance wellbeing.
To support our campaign, ATF showcased one of our ‘fancy a chat?’ banners to raise awareness with families at their Mother’s Day wellbeing event held at the Hive in Garron’s Park. These banners have been shared with partners since Time To Talk day in February, as a way of encouraging open and supportive conversations around mental health, to improve awareness and signposting to services, and ensure that no one feels alone.
South East and Central Essex Mind and ATF will continue to work together to support young people and families facing poor mental health by delivering impactful services in the local community.
Stuart Long, ATF CEO said,
‘ATF is pleased to be part of the SECE Mind campaign to keep talking about Mental Health. Working with both parents and children we hope to partner with SECE Mind in reducing, preventing and promoting positive mental health in the area.’
The initiative focuses on the simple but powerful message that no matter how busy life gets, or no matter what environment we are in, it’s always important to talk about mental health and reach out to others when needed.
SECE Mind’s year long campaign seeks to remind people that mental health challenges are common, and it’s okay to talk, seek help, or just listen - Not just on awareness days, but every day. Our collaboration with local partners aims to build a more inclusive community, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellbeing in the area.
Talking about our mental health can be a challenge and it’s not always easy to know where or when to start a conversation. We can be worried about saying the wrong thing, or feeling vunerable. However, communication is one of the best ways to help reduce stigma and help those in need, by fostering a positive environment and a safe space where wellbeing is a common conversation, we can help reduce those barriers.
Vicky, ATF Lead, added,
‘There is such a huge need for free, fun and family time. Over 150 people attended the Mother’s Day wellbeing event where the sunshine and smiles made the world a better place’.
Our 'fancy a chat?' bench banners are part of an initiative with fellow Local Minds and can be found across Essex in both workplace and communal area - You can use the benches as a chance to have a talk about your wellbeing with friends, colleagues and loved ones, and scan the QR code to find out about local mental health services.
Find out more about our benches and how to get involved: Time To Talk Day 2025 - Join us in the conversation
To find out more about Achieve, Thrive, Flourish you can take a look at their website or visit their Facebook page for upcoming activities.
South East and Central Essex Mind is a local mental health charity providing essential mental health services, including Counselling, Supported Housing, Youth Mentoring, Mental Health Training and signposting to anyone who needs it. The charity works across the South East and Central Essex area raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those affected by mental health issues in the community.
SECE Mind is a registered charity no. 148451