A NEW initiative which aims to end mental health discrimination in Blackburn with Darwen has been launched.

Lancashire Mind, Blackburn with Darwen Council and One Voice Blackburn are joining forces to improve local attitudes and behaviours towards people experiencing mental health problems.

The borough has been named a 'Time to Change Hub'.

The hub has been created using insights from the national Time to Change campaign, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, combined with knowledge gained from the local community. It will help to reduce discrimination and enable more people to take action to challenge stigma and discrimination across the borough.

Partners will work with patients, schools, workplaces and community groups on the project and Time to Change Champions are also being sought.

These champions will be local people with lived-in experience of mental health conditions who are passionate about changing attitudes towards mental health in their community.

Time to Talk grants of between £50 and £250 are also available to help groups or individuals to deliver social contact activities to contribute towards ending mental health discrimination in the borough.

Local employers will be encouraged to sign up to the Time to Change Employer Pledge which demonstrates an employer's commitment to changing how we think and act about mental health in the workplace and make sure that employees who are facing these problems feel supported.

On signing up, Lancashire Mind will work with the employer to develop an action plan to get employees talking about mental health.

Emma Lord, service delivery manager for Lancashire Mind, said: "We believe that the Time to Change Hub will be invaluable in helping us to reach even more people whether that is through community events, the workplace or schools.

"We are keen to hear from individuals, employers, schools and community groups who may like to get involved and help Lancashire Mind and our partners to revolutionise attitudes and challenge perceptions towards mental health conditions and ultimately help those across Blackburn with Darwen to take care of their mental health."

Cllr Brian Taylor, assistant executive member for Health and Adult Social Care and mental health champion, said: “This is vitally important work; mental health is as important as physical health and we shouldn’t be ashamed to talk about it.

"We have a range of services to offer help and support, and by combatting mental health stigma we hope that people who need to feel more comfortable accessing the help they need.”

If you are an employer, school, community organisation or individual interested in getting involved in the Blackburn with Darwen Time to Change Hub please emailadmin@lancashiremind.org.uk or call (01257) 231660.