Watch: Get out and about on Time to Talk Day with Arriva and improve your mental health

2019 Time to Talk Day is all about gathering the right ingredients to have a conversation about mental health.

Isolation and loneliness are key contributors to poor mental health, so this Time to Talk Day we teamed up with Arriva and national charity Chasing the Stigma to put fresh air, conversation and local adventures back on the agenda.

We hopped on an Arriva bus with Jake Mills CEO of Chasing the Stigma, to get some key advice on how to improve our own mental health and how to reach out to others in a positive, supportive way. Jake said: ” Time to Talk Day has been put together by the Time to Change campaign and it’s a chance for people to come together and talk about mental health.

“Sometimes people think that can be a scary thing, or an intense thing, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be a conversation you have with friends, family or a colleague, maybe while you’re walking down the street, or making a cup of tea, or getting the bus.”

The Time to Change campaign has introduced a number of guides to starting a conversation about mental health in different situations, such as at work, home, sports clubs or community groups. You can download them here and start your own conversation.

Chasing the Stigma created and launched a special app and website, back in July 2017. Drawing from his own experience, Jake was keen to bring together mental health support groups in one, easily accessible place for those seeing advice and to get people talking.

Using the location of a web browser or mobile device, the Hub of Hope allows anyone, anywhere to find the nearest source of support for any mental health issue, from depression and anxiety to PTSD and suicidal thoughts, as well as providing a ‘talk now’ button connecting users directly to the Samaritans.

We all know open spaces and exercise help to maintain good mental health and we’re so lucky to have so many great local destinations to explore.

Covering the whole of Merseyside, you can jump on an Arriva bus from Southport to West Kirby, Crosby to Anfield and everywhere in between. You can buy tickets, check bus times and plan a journey to the coast, park, local museum, gallery or to meet a friend for a catch up, all on the Arriva App.

We’ve lined up our 5 top favourite Merseyside destinations to enjoy a bit fresh air and a good natter with a mate or family member. Grab your Arriva ticket and check this lot out…….

1 – Crosby Beach

Crosby Beach

A stroll among the Antony Gormley statues on Crosby Beach could be the perfect tonic if you’re craving a bit of solitude. The views towards Wirral, North Wales and the cityscape are truly breath-taking.

Arriva Services: 47, 53, 54, 54A and 63. Plan your journey here.

2 – Otterspool & Festival Gardens

With miles of pathways and routes to the city centre and near by Sefton Park, Otterspool and Festival Gardens both offer plenty of fresh air, benches to sit and a bit of ‘me’ time. The coastal path to the city centre is also great for cycling.

Arriva Services: X1, 82 and 500. Plan your journey here.

3 – West Kirby Beach

A quiet cuppa and chat with a friend in a coffee shop in West Kirby, followed by a walk along the water front is a great way to shake off the winter blues.

Arriva Services: 407, 420, 437. Plan your journey here.

4 – Stanley Park

This North Liverpool park is not only a great one for a wander, maybe with the dog! It also hosts regular yoga sessions, has a fab play park for the kids and has a coffee shop to warm up in too.

Arriva Services: 68, 68A, 68E. Plan your journey here.

5 – Wirral Coastal Walk

Wirral offers up mile upon mile of stunning coastline to take a stroll and gather your thoughts, or maybe to escape with terrific views, wildlife and the best vantage point to see the Liverpool city skyline. You can walk from Seacombe Ferry all the way around to Thurstaston Park, or any smaller part in between.

Arriva Services: 407, 409, 411, 413, 423, 432, 433. Plan your journey here.

To find out more about getting out and about with Arriva on Merseyside, head to www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-west and follow @arrivanorthwest on Twitter for updates.