Riders Minds are encouraging equestrians to come together in their communities to share a cup of tea and talk on World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2024, in a campaign to inspire to Ask. Care. Talk (A.C.T) to those around them.
World Mental Health Day can be a great opportunity to sit down for a cuppa and a chat with your staff, your liveries or others in your local community. Talking can help break down barriers, share problems and build relationships. Talking can make a huge difference to someone who is struggling with their mental health and even if they are not, it’s a great opportunity for you to share ideas and positive messages.
Victoria Wright, Founder and Chair of Riders Minds said,
“There is so much time in the horse world spent talking about one another rather than to each other. It’s time to change that and unite. Let’s have conversations on the yard that discuss ideas and are positive. Take the time to ask how others are doing today and be the reason they smile and you smile too. Life is too short to waste time with negativity, it’s down to us personally to create positivity.”
Take a half halt, and arrange a tea and a chat, start conversations on your yard, or with friends. Talking about mental health and well-being helps to break down the barriers, and can help us all to understand and cope better with the ups and downs of life.
At Riders Minds we encourage people to ‘Ask Twice’ if they suspect someone might be struggling with their mental health. The simple act of asking again, with interest, can help someone to open up for the first time. To find out more about Riders Minds and the mental health and well-being support offered to all equestrians go to https://ridersminds.org/.
All of the Riders Minds services are free, 100% confidential and accessible 24 hours a day. If you would like to talk to one of our trained team please call the helpline on 0800 088 2073, or text 07480 488 103, or access the web chat through the website.