STUDENTS at the University of Worcester are being invited to discuss mental health today (Thursday) as part of a national initiative.

Conversations about mental health will take place at the University's St John's Campus from 10am, and any student or staff member can stop for a chat with Mick Finnegan, the Students' Union welfare officer.

The event forms part of national Time to Talk Day, which is organised by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness to get people across England talking about mental health.

Mr Finnegan said: "We are taking part in Time to Talk Day because mental health is a topic that we should all feel able to talk about.

"Having these all important conversations can make a big difference to many people and it's only when we start talking about the issue that we see stigma and discrimination being reduced."

Sue Baker, director of Time to Change, said: "So many lives have been blighted by the stigma that surrounds mental health, and lives have been lost because people don't feel they can talk about their mental health problems and are afraid of getting help.

"We know that talking openly about mental health can make a real difference so we are asking people to do just that and get talking on Thursday, February 4.

"Mental health is relevant to every family, workplace, school, sports group, place of worship, social club or community group, so let's get talking."

One in four people experience mental health problems and many of those face stigma and discrimination as a result.

For more information about the initiative visit time-to-change.org.uk