Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette
It was Time To Talk Day last week – an event billed as the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.
However, Phoenix FM decided not to celebrate it specifically, as we’ve partnered up with the Essex Community Tree to massively increase the number of organisations talking on air about the mental health services they offer the community.
Over the last week we’ve had some fascinating guests and stories.
Nikki Schuster came in from Renew Counselling to talk about the counselling services that they’ve been providing to Essex and East London for over a century.
Toyin Balogun Okunuga from Roar Through Art spoke about how the group uses expressive writing, poetry, dance, music and drama to help young people and women who have suffered trauma to help with their healing process.
Sidrah Naeem, Secretary of Essex, Mind & Spirit and Chair of Women Together also came on air to talk about dealing with anxiety and depression.
In addition Carol Wakeman, the Community Connector for our area from Active Essex, also spoke about how the benefits of exercise can help reduce anxiety.
All of the interviews are now up on the Phoenix FM website at phoenixfm.com and will also be featured in the return of our new mental health podcast, Mental Health Matters, which will help this valuable advice reach an even wider audience.
