Marcus Trescothick says it’s Time to Get Moving for World Mental Health Day

Posted Thursday 23 September 2010

Cricketing legend Marcus Trescothick is calling on the public to get active to mark this year’s Time to Get Moving week (9 –17 October 2010) and to do their bit to help end mental health discrimination this World Mental Health Day (Sunday 10 October). 

Around 80,000 people are expected to take Find a Time to Get Moving event near youpart in hundreds of sporting events across England where they will not only make a stand against mental health stigma but will also reap the rewards of exercise for their mental wellbeing.

The events are part of Time to Change, England’s biggest campaign to end mental health stigma, and will see people run, skip and dance their way to better mental health. From a boxercise class being led by former boxing world champion Duke McKenzie in Hyde Park to a 1 in 4 legged race taking place with Oxford United Football Club, the events are as diverse as they are fun.

Cricketer Marcus Trescothick said:

I know first hand how difficult it can be to open up about your mental health experience. However, I have found my decision to speak out a hugely rewarding one.

I’m encouraging others to support Time to Get Moving week and I'm hoping to go along to my local event in Somerset. There are hundreds of Time to Get Moving events taking place across England so why not find one near you? Together we can show the world that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed about and help end mental health discrimination for all.

For many of the 1 in 4 people that experience mental distress, it is discrimination rather than the illness than becomes the biggest obstacle to overcome. Stigma can even prevent people with mental health problems from starting meaningful relationships or finding somewhere to live. Research released this month from Time to Change showed that over half of people would turn down a date with someone who had a mental illness, while 60% of people would not want a person who disclosed a mental health problem to rent a room in their home.

Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change said:

Mental health problems are a common part of life in the 21st century, and we all know someone who has a mental health problem, whether we realise it or not. The stigma surrounding mental illness can make it hard for people to speak out - this is one of our last great taboos.

By coming to a Time to Get Moving event you can show your support for the growing movement for change, as well as having fun, meeting people and getting active for your own mental wellbeing. Last year thousands of people took part and the events helped to get mental health out into the open and change attitudes. This year will be even bigger and better.

The Time to Change campaign is England’s most ambitious programme to end mental health discrimination and improve the nation’s mental wellbeing. The campaign is run by leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink, and backed by £16 million from the Big Lottery Fund and £4 million from Comic Relief. 

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