Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind are hosting an event next week that aims to encourage people to talk about mental health issues.

Anyone interested should meet at Sanford House’s reception area at 11am on Thursday February 1 to chat with staff from the charity and other professionals and local citizens about how to provide support to people.

The two-hour event is part of the charity’s Time to Talk Day initiative.

The day hopes to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, as mental health problems affect one in four people but many find it difficult to talk about them.

A spokesperson for Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind said: “We want to get people talking and break the silence around these problems.

“For people experiencing these problems, not being able to talk about it can be one of the worst parts of the illness.

“By supporting Time to Talk Day we can break down stereotypes, improve relationships, aid recovery and take the stigma out of something that effects us all.

For more information, visit swindonmind.org