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 part 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. Find out what's happening near you.

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 One in Four 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.


**ENDS**

Notes to editors:

Hundreds of Time to Get Moving events are taking place all over the country from 9-17 October 2010. Find out what's happening near you.

For more information, interviews and case studies please contact Jo Squires in the Time to Change media team on T: 020 8522 1743 M: 07850 788514 E: [email protected]  

Time to Change is England's most ambitious programme to end the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems and improve the nation's mental wellbeing. The leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink are running the programme, funded with £16m from the Big Lottery Fund and £4m from Comic Relief, and evaluated by the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College, London. Pledge to help end mental health prejudice at www.time-to-change.org.uk

The Big Lottery Fund's support for Time to Change comes from its £165m Well-being programme. The Big Lottery Fund has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004.  It was established by Parliament on 1 December 2006. Full details of the work of the Big Lottery Fund, its programmes and awards are available on the website. Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888/ Out of hours: 07867 500 572 Public Enquiries Line: 08454 102030 / Textphone: 08456 021 659

Comic Relief is committed to supporting people living with mental health problems. The projects Comic Relief funds ensure people with mental health problems get their voices heard in the decisions that affect their lives and to get the help they need to recover. Comic Relief also helps people to promote their rights and reduce the stigma and discrimination they face so that they feel more included in society. The £4 million grant to Time to Change is part of Comic Relief's long standing commitment to this issue. For more information go to the website.