CAFES, coffee mornings and voluntary groups in Andover are being invited to join Hampshire County Council’s ‘Chat About’ scheme with an aim to ‘get people talking to improve their mental well-being.

The county council has launched the scheme as part of World Mental Health Day.

The council is inviting businesses and groups to join the scheme to provide a welcome space where people can gather to connect and chat.

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It is free to join and open to groups and organisations such as libraries, cafés, community and voluntary venues, regular coffee morning gatherings, and workplace canteens.

Any group or business can sign up for free to take part in the scheme.

Staff or volunteers connected to the venue can undertake free online training to learn how to approach conversations around mental well-being and what resources are available to support anyone looking for help.

Once staff have completed the training, a venue can access a range of branded materials to promote Chat About, including posters, a certificate, a tabletop display and an email signature.  Venues can set aside a table, a certain day or time slot for visitors or customers to visit, connect and chat.

Councillor Sarah Pankhurst, Hampshire County Council’s mental health champion, said: “Looking after our mental health and well-being is an important part of keeping well and having someone to talk to can help us to connect, relieve stress and loneliness. But it’s not always easy to open up - finding someone to speak to and a space where you feel comfortable can be a challenge. 
“Chat About is one way to provide people with the support and information they need. The concept is simple. Any group or business can sign up for free to take part in the scheme. Staff or volunteers connected to the venue undertake free online training to learn how to approach conversations around mental well-being and what resources are available to support anyone looking for help.”

Find out more at hants.gov.uk/News/061022chatabout.