Time to Change, England's most ambitious programme to end the stigma faced by people with a mental health problem, is holding two regional events in Leeds and Nottingham where everyone is welcome to come along and make a pledge to help end mental health prejudice on a giant mosaic pledge board.

The Leeds event, called Balls to stigma, is part of Leeds NHS latest campaign strand which aims to reduce stigma around men's mental health. The event will be held on Wednesday, 12th May at Briggate, Leeds from 10.30am to 2.30pm, The Lord Mayor, Councillor Judith Elliott; Director at Time to Change, Sue Baker and Men's Health Professor, Alan White will be showing their support for the campaign on the day. Also making a pledge on the day will be Leeds City Council and Leeds Metropolitan University.

The fun-filled day will also feature a football challenge activity facilitated by LUFC Ability Counts players who will be showcasing their footballing techniques and encouraging members of the public to get involved. There will also be a chance to win your very own signed Leeds United football shirt.

Sue Baker, Director at Time to Change, said, "Leeds has always been a great supporter of Time to Change and we are thrilled so many local organisations and representatives are making a pledge to end mental health prejudice. I am looking forward to seeing the people of Leeds also make their pledge to stamp out stigma at Wednesday's event. The public's support combined with endorsements from celebrities like Frank Bruno, Trisha Goddard, Ruby Wax, Gok Wan and Patsy Palmer, who have all made a Time to Change pledge, will go a long way to bringing about positive change to attitudes towards mental health problems."

On Thursday 13 May, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, The University of Nottingham, its Students' Union and the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire will join thousands of people across England including celebrities Frank Bruno, Stephen Fry, Ruby Wax, Gok Wan and many more in making a pledge to help end mental health prejudice.

Sue Baker will co-sign pledges for these organisations with Professor Clair Chilvers, Chair of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust during a live pledge event at the University of Nottingham's Atrium from 11.00am to 3.00pm. The event will also feature the giant mosaic pledge board, a human library‚ and entertainment.


Professor Saul Tendler, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the University of Nottingham, said, “We are delighted to support the Time to Change campaign which challenges the stigma surrounding mental health. Mental health is an issue for us all. We work pro-actively with our students and staff to nurture positive mental health. We also work hard to create a respectful and inclusive environment, within which we support students who experience challenging mental health during their studies.


Time to Change is England's biggest and most ambitious programme to end mental health discrimination. 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.

For more information please contact Olivia Deskoski, PR Campaign Manager on [email protected]