Dog walkers in Ipswich have got together in Christchurch Park to spread awareness of mental health issues.
Animal lovers and their canine companions joined the ‘Time to Change’ dog walk yesterday which looked to shine a light on the role pets can play in helping people with mental health problems.
Organiser Brian Turner said: “It is just about getting people to talk about mental health issues.
“Using the example of dogs, we want to show pets are a way of helping people come out of depression.
“We want to get people talking to each other.
“We are trying to break down the stigma of mental health by getting people talking about it.
“Even having a chat with members of your family or friends can help overcome a problem.
“Back in the day you were told to bottle it up. “But sitting down and talking about it, having a simple cup of tea and a chat, can help in its own way.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here