Launch of app to encourage talking about mental health

A “Walk and Talk” app was launched today at Knowle West Health Park to mark Time to Talk day on 7 February.

With mental health now affecting one in four people in the UK, the day encourages everyone to talk about it. It is part of a campaign by Time to Change which wants to end mental health discrimination.

Developed by the Community Access Support Service (CASS) and Wesport, the Pokemon-style app game, which can be downloaded until Monday 17 February, has quiz questions and challenges dotted around the mile walk around the Health Park.

It was launched at the weekly Buggy Walk which is run on Tuesdays around the Health Park – encouraging mums with young children to socialise and get fit at the same time.

CASS Networker, Bristol South, Natalie Campbell says: “The app is  to mark Time to Talk Day and about how you can talk about mental health and wellbeing with anyone at any time – even when you are out for a stroll.

“…It should be a really fun way of getting a bit of exercise and learning about mental wellbeing.“

The Time to Talk app can be downloaded and played for two weeks around Knowle West Health Park in Downton Road until Monday 17 February.

For more details about Time to Talk Day visit www.time-to-change.org.uk