EARLIER this month, North Somerset residents joined together to open up conversations around mental health and learn about what support is on offer.

Mind in Somerset hosted the event from 1pm until 3pm on Thursday, February 1 at Weston's Winter Gardens.

Attendees were able to enjoy a hot drink and free soup at Lasseter's Restaurant, where they were encouraged to have open and honest conversations.

There was also a selection of local service stalls available, as well as information about the charity itself and ways you can access support.

A spokesperson from Mind In Somerset said: "Lasseter's, Winter Gardens were really welcoming, helpful location, with fantastic staff who really got behind and supported this great event and we look forward to providing more events in the upcoming year at this venue.

"Time To Talk day is a very valuable day where we all come together to open up conversations around mental health and the support which is available, this shouldn't be the only day to talk about it but its a great reminder to everyone about how important it is to talk. 

"The day went very well and we interacted with lots of people in the community and we look forward to building these relationships and more as we look forward to next year's events and others in the future.

"Also on the day we gained a new champion, which we are thrilled about and we ran the day successfully with the support of Time To Connect Champions alongside Mind in Somerset staff.

"If you would like to know more about becoming a champion, please email us on timetoconnect@mindinsomerset.org.uk Please call Mindline 24/7 on 01823 267 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692 to find out what support is around locally to you."

The charity's website details the work that it does: "We are here to make sure anyone with a mental health problem has somewhere to turn for advice and support. Our core purpose is to provide services and support to anyone affected by mental illness, improving their quality of life and wellbeing.

"Through our 24/7 Mindline service, peer support groups, garden, art therapy and much more there is a way in for everyone and a service for everyone.

"We have an open door and treat everyone as individual, ensuring the right support, at the right time in the right way."