Ramsey Grammar School is to host a special day next week focusing on mental health issues.

The event, on Thursday, February 7, is part of a push to get people talking more openly about mental health for one day in the UK and the Isle of Man.

Time to Talk Day is organised by Time to Change, the campaign to change how people think and act about mental health problems, led by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

Organisers say that people can struggle to talk about mental health, so this year, Time to Change is asking people to have a conversation however they like - whether at work, on a walk or over a cup of tea.

Since its launch in 2014, Time to Talk Day has sparked many conversations in schools, homes, workplaces, in the media and online and attracted support from celebrities such as Freddie Flintoff, Stephen Fry and Frankie Bridge.

Activities planned for the day at RGS have been organised by PE teacher Josie Corrin.

They include coffee and cake drop-ins for staff and the student services and support café open for students to pop in for a drink and chat at break and lunchtime.

Research has shown that one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year, but many of us are too afraid to talk about it.

Mrs Corrin, the school’s director of pastoral care and wellbeing, 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. The more we talk, the more lives we can change.’

Jo Loughran, director of Time to Change, said: ’Mental health problems are common and can affect any one of us, yet too often people are afraid to talk openly about mental health for fear of being judged. There are lots of different ways to have a conversation about mental health. And you don’t have to be an expert to talk.

’Whether you’re talking on a walk, or listening over a cuppa, your chat can make a big difference. However you do it, make a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day.’