A vital Essex mental health hub is celebrating its launch in Maldon this month.

Time to Change is a growing social movement aiming to change the way people think and act about mental health problems.

Mental health charity Mind have been working with Maldon District CVS to deliver a Time to Change hub for East Essex which will open Wednesday, October 30.

A spokesperson for Mid and North East Essex Mind said: “We’ve already reached millions of people and begun to improve attitudes and behaviour.

“Despite the progress we’ve made, we know that many people still don’t consider mental health relevant to them.

“They don’t believe mental health problems are likely to affect them or people they know.

“That’s why our work is so important - no one should have to fear being treated differently because of a mental health problem.”

The official launch will involve talks about the hubs plans over the next year, the work the movement does, and a chance to hear from the people and the centre of the campaign.

Stephanie Mills, Hub Coordinator said: “We are thrilled to be starting a Time to Change Hub in the east of Essex.

“People living with a mental health problem face stigma and discrimination every day, and together with our partners we want to bring this to an end.”

Jo Loughran, Director at Time to Change, said: “When one in four of us will fight a mental health problem any given year, and suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 40, it’s vital that we come together to end mental health stigma.

“Our network of Time to Change Hubs are able to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination in communities.”

The event will be held from 3pm to 5pm at Maldon Stadium.

To find out more, visit: time-to-change.org.uk