Time to Change Wales and S4C announce a partnership to challenge mental health stigma

The weekaims to encourage people to talk about mental health, and raise awareness ofmental illness, a subject which continues to be a taboo in Wales.

S4C willbe broadcasting a number of programmes discussing mental health during theweek, including the documentary Cysgod Rhyfel, which looks at the experiencesof former soldiers who have suffered from stress following their experiences inwar (PTSD). Owain Gwynedd, a Stwnsh and sports presenter, will feature inanother programme called Iselder: Un Cam ar y Tro, publicly discussingdepression and his father’s suicide for the first time.

Ant Metcalfe, Time to Change Wales’ Programme Manager, said:

“This partnership with S4C is an exciting opportunity to challenge thestigma related to mental illness. It’s an opportunity for us to show the peopleof Wales that little things such as meeting up for a coffee or asking someonehow they’re feeling can make a big difference to someone who is dealing with amental health problem – you don’t have to be an expert to be a friend.”

Llion Iwan, S4C Content Commissioner, said:

“This is a series of programmes that enables the audience to share theexperiences of many people who have suffered mental health problems, and learnabout how it affects their families as well. This often happens behind closeddoors, and sharing experiences can help those who are suffering and enable us,the audience, to learn about what they are facing and appreciate that as well.As a broadcaster, we are pleased that these programmes can contribute to theactivities of mental health awareness week.”

Everyone can do something as part of the week by starting to talk about mentalhealth with their families or in the workplace. There are some usefulsuggestions to help you start a conversation on the Time to Change Waleswebsite. You can also show your support by searching for Time to Change Walesonline and on Facebook and Twitter to join the online conversation.”

Time to Change Wales will be working with S4C to promote the week and willadvertise on the channel, as well as using social media, to raise awareness,share the stories of people living with mental health problems and start aconversation.

1 o bob 4
Wednesday 14 May 9.30pm, S4C
English Subtitles

Iselder : Un Cam ar y Tro
Thursday 15 May 9.30pm, S4C
English Subtitles

CysgodRhyfel
Sunday 18 May 9:00pm, S4C
English Subtitles

Newyddion 9
Monday to Friday 12-16 May, S4C
English Subtitles

Lois
Sunday, 18 May 10:00pm, S4C
English Subtitles