POLICE, fire and ambulance services are joining forces to support a mental health myth-busting event in Bromsgrove.

Key agencies including Age UK, Alzheimer's Society and Health Minds, Worcester, have also signed up to take part in Time To Talk 2018, which will open its doors to the public for the first time on January 30.

Bromsgrove District Council's Unison branch secretary Laney Walsh, who was run the event for staff for the last five years, said: "Unfortunately there is still a stigma around mental health so people don’t want to talk about it.

"But, as with everything, the more we talk about it, the easier life becomes.

“The event is not a crisis drop-in centre - it is a safe space where people can find out what available support there is and to hear from the experts how a few changes in their life can make a big difference.

“We have 15 agencies already signed up to take part, but we have room for more."

Local groups and organisations are invited to exhibit at the event, part of the nationwide Time To Change campaign.

Cllr Margaret Sherrey, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: "We don’t talk enough about mental health and this is why people who have problems or know someone who does, don’t know what support is out there for them.

“This is a great opportunity for local groups and organisations to do so and I am delighted this brilliant event is open to the public."

Time To Talk will run from 10am to 2pm at the Parkside suite in Market Street.

Anyone interested in exhibiting should contact Laney Walsh on 01527 534125 or email laney.walsh@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.