Published: Friday, 24th January 2025
This Time to Talk Day (Thursday 6 February), Cannock Chase will be buzzing with opportunities to connect, learn, and support mental health through the Cannock Chase Mental Health Hub Places of Welcome Tour 2025.
Being busy with the people who are right for you is one of the best ways to support your mental wellbeing. That’s why the Mental Health Hub is inviting everyone to join the tour, where you'll discover the fantastic local venues and services available to help you thrive.
In the lead-up to Time to Talk Day, take part in the Story Walks happening in Cannock, Hednesford, and Elmore Parks. Each park features 10 story frames designed to inspire conversations and reflection. These walks are a wonderful way to connect with others, enjoy nature, and focus on mental wellbeing.
Join the wider tour and visit all 12 venues on the journey at the dates and times shown on the poster which is on display in key locations across the district.
Look out for the pink elephant at each venue and scan the QR code on the poster.
Collect all 12 jigsaw pieces to complete the tour trail and receive a free activity booklet.
If you prefer to explore on your own, each stop is self-guided, making it easy to participate at your own pace. Weekly drop-in sessions will also be held at each venue along the tour to provide ongoing support and opportunities for connection.
The next stop on the tour will be at The Salvation Army in Hednesford on 6 February, where you can learn more about the local services available to you.
This initiative aligns with the Cannock Chase Can campaign, which promotes health and wellbeing across the district. By encouraging active lifestyles, encouraging community connections, and providing resources to improve mental and physical health, Cannock Chase Can is helping residents achieve their best selves.
Councillor David Williams, Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing, said: “As both a healthcare professional and your Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing, I've seen how mental health support can transform lives. The Cannock Chase Mental Health Hub Places of Welcome Tour breaks down barriers by bringing services directly into our neighbourhoods. From Story Walks in our beautiful parks to welcoming spaces across the district, we're creating multiple ways for people to connect and seek support in ways that work for them. This initiative shows what we can achieve when we work together as a community. This Time to Talk Day, I encourage everyone to take that first step - whether it's joining a walk, visiting a venue, or simply starting a conversation about mental health. Together, we're building a Cannock Chase where everyone feels supported and valued.”
Kelvin Stephens, Chair of The Friends of Hednesford Park (umbrella organisation for Cannock Chase Mental Health Hub), said: “We set up Cannock Chase Mental Health Hub in 2018, through the now disbanded, Time To Change initiative to target the stigma around poor mental health. We are proud our volunteers are still coming up with inspirational ideas to start new conversations around supporting our mental health. We have such a wealth of groups, and weekly activities within Cannock Chase District and what a great way to promote them."
Take the first step on this exciting journey to better mental health and community connection. Let’s talk, share, and support each other this Time to Talk Day!
If you’d like to join this initiative, please contact Lynn Evans by emailing lynnevans@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or telephone 07855 099353.
For more information about the Cannock Chase Mental Health Hub, the Places of Welcome Tour 2025, and Story Walks, please visit www.cannockchasecan.co.uk.